WO2019106200A1 - Vaccine against klebsiella pneumoniae - Google Patents

Vaccine against klebsiella pneumoniae Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019106200A1
WO2019106200A1 PCT/EP2018/083245 EP2018083245W WO2019106200A1 WO 2019106200 A1 WO2019106200 A1 WO 2019106200A1 EP 2018083245 W EP2018083245 W EP 2018083245W WO 2019106200 A1 WO2019106200 A1 WO 2019106200A1
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Prior art keywords
man
compound
oligosaccharide
protecting groups
iii
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PCT/EP2018/083245
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French (fr)
Inventor
Arun NAINI
Daniel KNOPP
Bopanna MONNANDA
Arne Von Bonin
Claney Lebev PEREIRA
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Vaxxilon Ag
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Priority to CN201880077619.9A priority Critical patent/CN111448204B/en
Priority to US16/768,350 priority patent/US11891413B2/en
Priority to CA3082951A priority patent/CA3082951C/en
Priority to KR1020207018633A priority patent/KR20200106033A/en
Priority to EP18807679.8A priority patent/EP3717498A1/en
Priority to JP2020529707A priority patent/JP2021504438A/en
Priority to AU2018375986A priority patent/AU2018375986B2/en
Publication of WO2019106200A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019106200A1/en

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    • C07H—SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS
    • C07H3/00—Compounds containing only hydrogen atoms and saccharide radicals having only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms
    • C07H3/06—Oligosaccharides, i.e. having three to five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic linkages
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07H—SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS
    • C07H15/00—Compounds containing hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon radicals directly attached to hetero atoms of saccharide radicals
    • C07H15/02—Acyclic radicals, not substituted by cyclic structures
    • C07H15/04—Acyclic radicals, not substituted by cyclic structures attached to an oxygen atom of the saccharide radical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
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    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/335—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K31/702—Oligosaccharides, i.e. having three to five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic linkages
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K39/02—Bacterial antigens
    • A61K39/025—Enterobacteriales, e.g. Enterobacter
    • A61K39/0266—Klebsiella
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/50—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates
    • A61K47/51—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent
    • A61K47/54—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent the modifying agent being an organic compound
    • A61K47/549—Sugars, nucleosides, nucleotides or nucleic acids
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    • A61K47/50—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates
    • A61K47/51—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent
    • A61K47/62—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent the modifying agent being a protein, peptide or polyamino acid
    • A61K47/64—Drug-peptide, drug-protein or drug-polyamino acid conjugates, i.e. the modifying agent being a peptide, protein or polyamino acid which is covalently bonded or complexed to a therapeutically active agent
    • A61K47/6415—Toxins or lectins, e.g. clostridial toxins or Pseudomonas exotoxins
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/50—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates
    • A61K47/51—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent
    • A61K47/62—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent the modifying agent being a protein, peptide or polyamino acid
    • A61K47/64—Drug-peptide, drug-protein or drug-polyamino acid conjugates, i.e. the modifying agent being a peptide, protein or polyamino acid which is covalently bonded or complexed to a therapeutically active agent
    • A61K47/646—Drug-peptide, drug-protein or drug-polyamino acid conjugates, i.e. the modifying agent being a peptide, protein or polyamino acid which is covalently bonded or complexed to a therapeutically active agent the entire peptide or protein drug conjugate elicits an immune response, e.g. conjugate vaccines
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07H—SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS
    • C07H1/00—Processes for the preparation of sugar derivatives
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07H—SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS
    • C07H15/00—Compounds containing hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon radicals directly attached to hetero atoms of saccharide radicals
    • C07H15/02—Acyclic radicals, not substituted by cyclic structures
    • C07H15/04—Acyclic radicals, not substituted by cyclic structures attached to an oxygen atom of the saccharide radical
    • C07H15/08—Polyoxyalkylene derivatives
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07H—SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS
    • C07H15/00—Compounds containing hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon radicals directly attached to hetero atoms of saccharide radicals
    • C07H15/18—Acyclic radicals, substituted by carbocyclic rings
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07H—SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS
    • C07H15/00—Compounds containing hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon radicals directly attached to hetero atoms of saccharide radicals
    • C07H15/20—Carbocyclic rings
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07H—SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS
    • C07H15/00—Compounds containing hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon radicals directly attached to hetero atoms of saccharide radicals
    • C07H15/26—Acyclic or carbocyclic radicals, substituted by hetero rings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/53—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor
    • G01N33/569—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
    • G01N33/56911—Bacteria
    • G01N33/56916—Enterobacteria, e.g. shigella, salmonella, klebsiella, serratia
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/68—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
    • G01N33/6854—Immunoglobulins
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K2039/60—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies characteristics by the carrier linked to the antigen
    • A61K2039/6031—Proteins
    • A61K2039/6037—Bacterial toxins, e.g. diphteria toxoid [DT], tetanus toxoid [TT]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2333/00—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature
    • G01N2333/195—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature from bacteria
    • G01N2333/24—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature from bacteria from Enterobacteriaceae (F), e.g. Citrobacter, Serratia, Proteus, Providencia, Morganella, Yersinia
    • G01N2333/26—Klebsiella (G)

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) that is related to Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 lipopolyoligosaccharide specifically the O-antigens and conjugate thereof.
  • Said synthetic oligosaccharide, said conjugate and pharmaceutical composition containing said synthetic oligosaccharide or said conjugate are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, more specifically of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5.
  • the synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) is useful as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium colonizing mostly the respiratory and urinary tracts and causing K. pneumoniae infections (KPIs).
  • KPI is the main cause of nosocomial infections, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients.
  • infections caused by K. pneumoniae are becoming an important challenge in health-care settings due to the emergence of strains resistant to almost all available antimicrobial agents and their worldwide dissemination. Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality.
  • prevention of infections caused by K. pneumoniae is highly desirable, and vaccination of risk groups is the most cost-efficient and the most powerful means.
  • K. pneumoniae is highly desirable, and vaccination of risk groups is the most cost-efficient and the most powerful means.
  • pneumoniae bacteria typically express two types of antigens on their cell surfaces.
  • the first, O-antigen is a component of the lipopolyoligosaccharide (LPS), of which 9 serogroups exist.
  • the second is K antigen, a capsular polysaccharide / oligosaccharide with more than 80 serotypes.
  • LPS lipopolyoligosaccharide
  • K antigen a capsular polysaccharide / oligosaccharide with more than 80 serotypes.
  • the O-antigen is the most variable portion of the LPS and provides serological specificity, which together with the K antigen is used for serotyping.
  • Both antigens are composed of complex polysaccharide / oligosaccharides on the bacterial surface, which are highly immunogenic and nontoxic. In comparison with proteins, carbohydrates are evolutionarily more stable.
  • oligosaccharide antigens When covalently connected to a carrier protein, oligosaccharide antigens can elicit long lasting, T-cell-dependent protection vaccines see Chem. & Biol. 2014, 21, 38–50.
  • WO 2016/156338 A1 discloses synthetic carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae oligosaccharides and conjugates thereof for the treatment of diseases caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.
  • the article Vaccine 1986, 4, 15 reports on a hexavalent Klebsiella vaccine composed of the capsular polysaccharide derived from K2, K3, K10, K21, K30 and K55 serotypes.
  • the tested vaccine was found to be highly protective against fatal experimental Klebsiella K2 burn wound sepsis, thus indicating that functional antibody is elicited following vaccination.
  • the repeating unit of the O-antigens, i.e. O-polysaccharides of K. pneumoniae was elucidated (The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2002, 277 (28), 25070-25081) (see Figure 1).
  • the repeating unit of the O-polysaccharide of K. pneumoniae serotype O3 consists of:
  • the repeating unit of the O-polysaccharide of K. pneumoniae serotype O3b consists of:
  • the repeating unit of the O-polysaccharide of K. pneumoniae serotype O5 consists of:
  • a protective immunogenic O-antigen epitope i.e. a O-antigen epitope that elicits antibodies which protect against diseases caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and serotype O5.
  • Said oligosaccharide can be conjugated to an immunogenic carrier to provide a conjugate and pharmaceutical composition thereof that are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and serotype O5.
  • the synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) is useful as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.
  • linker encompasses molecular fragments capable of connecting the reducing-end monosaccharide of an oligosaccharide with an immunogenic carrier or a solid support, optionally by binding to at least one interconnecting molecule.
  • the function of the linker per se or together with the interconnecting molecule is to establish, keep and/or bridge a special distance between the reducing-end monosaccharide and an immunogenic carrier or a solid support.
  • linker provides greater efficiency of coupling with oligosaccharides by reducing steric hindrance of reactive groups (Methods in Molecular Medicine 2003, 87, 153-174). More specifically, one extremity of the linker is connected to the exocyclic oxygen atom at the anomeric center of the reducing-end monosaccharide and the other extremity is connected via the nitrogen atom with the interconnecting molecule, or directly with the immunogenic carrier or the solid support.
  • Any linker for oligosaccharide conjugates e.g. polysaccharide and oligosaccharide- carrier protein conjugate, antibody-drug conjugate
  • linker for oligosaccharide conjugates e.g. polysaccharide and oligosaccharide- carrier protein conjugate, antibody-drug conjugate
  • Such suitable linkers are harmless (i.e. non-toxic) and non-immunogenic (i.e. do not lead to the formation of nonprotective antibodies on immunization with a conjugate) and include but are not Controlled Release 2013, 172, 382-389, J. Immun. Meth. 1996, 191, 1-10), glutaric acid derivatives (J. Org. Chem.
  • adipic acid derivatives such as the commercially available MFCO-NHS (monofluoro-substituted cyclooctyne N-hydroxysuccinimide ester), maleimides (as disclosed in Acc Chem Res 2017, 50, 1270-1279), or hydrophilic alkyl phosphinates and sulfonyls (as described in WO2014080251A1).
  • interconnecting molecule refers to a bifunctional molecule containing functional group X and functional group Y, wherein functional group X is capable of reacting with the terminal amino group on the linker L and the functional group Y is capable of reacting with a functionality present on an immunogenic carrier or on a solid support.
  • Figure 3 displays examples of commercially available interconnecting molecules, but does not restrict the interconnecting molecules that can be used according to the present invention to the examples displayed herein.
  • adjuvant refers to an immunological adjuvant i.e.
  • adjuvants include:
  • calcium salts include calcium phosphate.
  • Aluminium salts include hydroxides, phosphates, sulfates, etc., with the salts taking any suitable form (e.g. gel, crystalline, amorphous, etc.). Adsorption to these salts is preferred.
  • the mineral containing compositions may also be formulated as a particle of metal salt.
  • the adjuvants known as aluminium hydroxide and aluminium phosphate may be also used.
  • the invention can use any of the "hydroxide” or "phosphate” adjuvants that are in general used as adjuvants.
  • the adjuvants known as "aluminium hydroxide” are typically aluminium oxyhydroxide salts, which are usually at least partially crystalline.
  • the adjuvants known as "aluminium phosphate” are typically aluminium hydroxyphosphates, often also containing a small amount of sulfate (i. e. aluminium hydroxyphosphate sulfate). They may be obtained by precipitation, and the reaction conditions and concentrations during precipitation influence the degree of substitution of phosphate for hydroxyl in the salt. Mixtures of both an aluminium hydroxide and an aluminium phosphate can be employed in the formulation according to the present invention;
  • Saponins which are a heterologous group of sterol glycosides and triterpenoid glycosides that are found in the bark, leaves, stems, roots and even flowers of a wide have been widely studied as adjuvants.
  • Saponins can also be commercially obtained from Smilax ornata (sarsaprilla), Gypsophilla paniculata (brides veil), and Saponaria oficianalis (soap root).
  • Saponin adjuvant formulations include purified formulations, such as QS21, as well as lipid formulations, such as ISCOMs. Saponin compositions have been purified using HPLC and RP-HPLC.
  • ISCOMs immunostimulating complexes
  • the ISCOM generally include a phospholipid such as phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylcholine. Any known saponin can be used in ISCOMs.
  • the ISCOM includes one or more of QuilA, QHA & QHC;
  • microparticles i.e. a particle of 100 nm to 150 pm in diameter, more preferably 200 nm to 30 pm in diameter, or 500 nm to 10 pm in diameter
  • materials that are biodegradable and non-toxic.
  • non-toxic and biodegradable materials include, but are not restricted to poly( ⁇ -hydroxy acid), polyhydroxybutyric acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, polycaprolactone;
  • CD1d ligands such as an ⁇ -glycosylceramide, phytosphingosine-containing ⁇ - glycosylceramides, OCH, KRN7000 [(2S,3S,4R)-1-O-( ⁇ -D-galactopyranosyl)-2-(N- hexacosanoylamino)-1,3,4-octadecanetriol], CRONY- 101, 3"-sulfo-galactosyl- ceramide; 7DW8-5 (Funakoshi Co., Ltd.)
  • Immunostimulatory oligonucleotides can include nucleotide modifications/analogs such as phosphorothioate modifications and can be double- stranded or (except for RNA) single-stranded;
  • each molecule or substance that is able to favor or amplify a particular situation in the cascade of immunological events, ultimately leading to a more pronounced immunological response can be defined as an adjuvant.
  • APCs antigen-presenting cells
  • APCs antigen-presenting cells
  • polysaccharides and oligosaccharides are known by the person skilled in the art as TI-2 (T cell independent-2) antigens and poor immunogens, if they are not zwitterionic. Therefore, to produce a poly-,oligosaccharide-based vaccine, said poly- , oligosaccharides are conjugated to an immunogenic carrier to provide a conjugate, which presents an increased immunogenicity in comparison with the poly-or oligosaccharide.
  • the term“immunogenic carrier” is defined as a structure, which is conjugated to the poly-, oligosaccharide to form a conjugate that presents an increased immunity in comparison with the poly-,oligosaccharide per se.
  • the conjugation of the oligosaccharides to the immunogenic carrier preferably protein carrier, has an effect of stimulating the immune response against said oligosaccharide, without inducing an immune response against the said immunogenic carrier.
  • the present invention is directed to an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) T*–[(–U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m –(V x+2 –V x+1 –V x ) 1-m ] n –T–O–L–E
  • n is an integer selected from 0 and 1;
  • x is an integer selected from 1 to 2 ⁇ m + 3;
  • n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 ,8, 9 and 10;
  • –T— represents a bond, —(U x+4 ) m –(V x+2 ) 1-m –, –(U x+4 –U x+3 ) m –(V x+2 –V x+1 ) 1-m –, –(U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 ) m – or –(U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 ) m – ;
  • T*– represents H–, H–(U x ) m –(V x ) 1-m —, H–(U x+1 –U x ) m –(V x+1 –V x ) 1-m —, H–(U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m — or H–(U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m – ;
  • L represents a linker
  • R ⁇ represents —H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
  • the linker L preferably contains between 2 and 40 carbon atoms (including the carbon atoms of optional side chains), more preferably between 2 and 30, more preferably between 2 and 20, more preferably between 2 and 14, more preferably between 2 and 12, and still more preferably between 2 and 10 carbon atoms.
  • the shortest atom chain between the oxygen atom (i.e. the oxygen of–O–L–E) and the E-group consists preferably of 2 to 14 atoms, more preferably of 2 to 12 atoms, more preferably of 2 to 10 atoms, more preferably of 2 to 8 atoms.
  • the shortest chain (which is the shortest possible connection between the oxygen at the anomeric center and the NH 2 -group) consists of 2 to 6 atoms, these are preferably carbon atoms. In case the shortest chain consists of 4 to 8 atoms, the chain may contain 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S. In case the shortest chain consists of 9 to 14 atoms, the chain may contain 1, 2, 3, or 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S. It is also preferred that the linker–L–, or the shortest chain is fully or partially fluorinated.
  • the linker–L– may contain a 3-membered or a 4-membered or a 5- membered or a 6-membered saturated carbocycle or a 5-membered partly unsaturated (and not aromatic) carbocycle or a 4-membered or a 5-membered or a 6-membered saturated oxygen heterocycle or a 4-membered or a 5-membered or a 6-membered saturated nitrogen heterocycle or a 6-membered aromatic carbocycle.
  • the linker –L– may also contain amide (–NH–CO–, –CO–NH–) and/or urea (–NH–CO–NH–) residues and preferably only one amide or urea residue.
  • the linker may also contain substituents and preferably two substituents such as R10 and R11 or four substituents such as R10, R11 , R15 and R14 , which have the meanings as defined herein and which are preferably selected from: –F, –Cl, –CH 3 , –C 2 H 5 , –C 3 H 7 , –C 5 H 9 , –C 6 H 13 , –OCH 3 , –OC 2 H 5 , –CH 2 F, –CHF 2 , –CF 3 , –C(O)–NH 2 , –SCH 3 , –SC 2 H 5 , –NHC(O)CH 3 , –N(CH 3 ) 2 , and–N(C 2 H 5 ) 2 .
  • the linker–L– is fluorinated, more than two substituents–F are preferred.
  • the linker–L– is selected from: –CH 2 –, –(CH 2 ) 2 –, –(CH 2 ) 3 –, –(CH 2 ) 4 –, –(CH 2 ) 5 –, –(CH 2 ) 6 –, –(CH 2 ) 7 –, –(CH 2 ) 8 –, –(CH 2 ) 9 –, –(CH 2 ) 10 –, –CF 2 –, –(CF 2 ) 2 –, –(CF 2 ) 3 –, –(CF 2 ) 4 –, –(CF 2 ) 5 –, –(CF 2 ) 6 –, –(CF 2 ) 7 –, –(CF 2 ) 8 –, –(CF 2 ) 9 –, –(CF 2 ) 10 –, –(CH 2 )
  • –La– is selected from: –(CH 2 ) o –, –(CF 2 ) o –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 –, –(CR10R11) o –,
  • –Lb– and –Lc— are independently of each other selected from: –O–,
  • –Le— is selected from: –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –, –(CR14R15) p1 –, –(CR14R15) p1 –O–(CR21R22) p2 –,
  • R9 and R18 are independently of each other selected from: –CH 3 , –C 2 H 5 , –C 3 H 7 and –C(O)CH 3 ;
  • R10, R11 , R12 , R13, R14 , R15, R16, R17 , R19, R20, R21 and R22 are independently of each other selected from: –H, –F, –Cl, –CH 3 , –C 2 H 5 , –C 3 H 7 , –C 5 H 9 , –C 6 H 13 , –OCH 3 , –OC 2 H 5 , –CH 2 F, –CHF 2 , –CF 3 , –C(O)–NH 2 , –SCH 3 , –SC 2 H 5 , –NHC(O)CH 3 , –N(CH 3 ) 2 and –N(C 2 H 5 ) 2 ;
  • o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. More preferred,–L– represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–; –La– represents–(CH 2 ) o –,–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, or–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ;
  • –Lb— represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –, –(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • oligosaccharide of the formula (I) has the group–O-L-E selected from the group consisting of:
  • R ⁇ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
  • X represents –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO 2 H, or –SAc.
  • n is an integer selected from 0 and 1;
  • x is an integer selected from 1 to 2 ⁇ m + 3;
  • n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1 and 2;
  • –T— represents a bond, —(U x+4 ) m –(V x+2 ) 1-m –, –(U x+4 –U x+3 ) m –(V x+2 –V x+1 ) 1-m –, –(U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 ) m – or –(U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 ) m – ;
  • T*– represents H–, H–(U x ) m –(V x ) 1-m —, H–(U x+1 –U x ) m –(V x+1 –V x ) 1-m —, H–(U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m — or H–(U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m – ;
  • L represents —La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
  • –La– represents–(CH 2 ) o –,–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, or–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ;
  • –Lb— represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –, –(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le– represents –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – or –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –; and
  • o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • R ⁇ represents —H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
  • the anomers of oligosaccharides of the present invention mean the ⁇ / ⁇ -anomers at C-1-postion to which the group–O-L-E is bounded. It is clear for the skilled person in the art of carbohydrate chemistry that the stereochemistry of the glycosidic bond is defined by the stereochemistry indicated for the anomeric center of the sugar fragments U 1 , U 2 , U 3 , U 4 , U 5 , U 6 , U 7 , U 8 , U 9 , V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , V 4 , and V 5 , in the general formula (I).
  • the oligosaccharides of the present invention can be hygroscopic and thus can build various hydrates thereof.
  • Preferred, molar ratio of water molecule to the oligosaccharide is in the range of 1 to 20, more preferred, 1 to 10, most preferred, 5- 10.
  • the oligosaccharides of the present invention may bear basic and/or acidic substituents and they may form salts with organic or inorganic acids or bases
  • suitable acids for such acid addition salt formation are hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, salicylic acid, p-aminosalicylic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, ascorbic acid, maleic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, perchloric acid, nitric acid, formic acid, propionic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, hydroxymaleic acid, pyruvic acid, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, nitrous acid, hydroxyethanesulfonic acid,
  • the salts are prepared by contacting the free base form with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce a salt in the conventional manner.
  • suitable inorganic or organic bases are, for example, NaOH, KOH, NH 4 OH, tetraalkylammonium hydroxide, lysine or arginine and the like.
  • Salts may be prepared in a conventional manner using methods well known in the art, for example by treatment of a solution of the compound of the general formula (I) with a solution of a base, selected out of the group mentioned above. It is clear for the skilled person in the art of carbohydrate chemistry that the oligosaccharides of general (I) are not containing–O–O– bonds and or sugar fragments
  • oligosaccharide of general formula (I) contains an immunogenic protective epitope and is able to induce a protective immune response against K. pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria in a human and/or animal host.
  • the oligosaccharide of general formula (I) elicits antibodies that are cross-reacting with the natural K.
  • oligosaccharides of the present invention overcome all the problems associated thereof in terms of purity and easiness of production. It is well known that the isolation and purification of pure oligosaccharides of defined length and structure from the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharides of pathogenic bacteria is a tedious and sometimes not feasible process.
  • x is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3;
  • n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1 and 2;
  • –T— represents a bond, —(U x+4 ) m –(V x+2 ) 1-m –, –(U x+4 –U x+3 ) m –(V x+2 –V x+1 ) 1-m –, –(U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 ) m – or –(U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 ) m – ;
  • T*– represents H–, H–(U x ) m –(V x ) 1-m —, H–(U x+1 –U x ) m –(V x+1 –V x ) 1-m —, H–(U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m — or H–(U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m – ;
  • L represents —La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
  • –La– represents–(CH 2 ) o –,–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, or–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ;
  • –Lb— represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –, –(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le– represents –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – or –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –; and
  • o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • R ⁇ represents —H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
  • x is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1 and 2;
  • –T— represents a bond, —(U x+4 ) m –(V x+2 ) 1-m –, –(U x+4 –U x+3 ) m –(V x+2 –V x+1 ) 1-m –, –(U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 ) m – or –(U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 ) m – ;
  • T*– represents H–, H–(U x ) m –(V x ) 1-m —, H–(U x+1 –U x ) m –(V x+1 –V x ) 1-m —, H–(U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m — or H–(U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m – ;
  • L represents —La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
  • –La– represents–(CH 2 ) o –,–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, or–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ;
  • –Lb— represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –, –(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le– represents –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – or –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –; and
  • o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • R ⁇ represents —H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
  • n is an integer selected from 0 and 1;
  • x is an integer selected from 1 to 2 ⁇ m + 3;
  • n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1 and 2;
  • L represents —La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
  • –La– represents–(CH 2 ) o –,–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, or–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ;
  • –Lb— represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –, –(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le– represents –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – or –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –; and
  • o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • R ⁇ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, N hydroxysuccinimidyl (3 sulfo N hydroxysuccinimidyl) or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
  • n, L, E, U x+1 , U x+2 , U x+3 , U x+4 , V x , V x+1 , V x+2 and T* have the meanings as defined herein.
  • an oligosaccharide of general formula (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) and (III-k) wherein n, L, E and T* have the meanings defined herein is especially preferred.
  • n represents an integer selected from 2 to 10, preferably from 1 to 8, more preferably from 1 to 6, still more preferably from 1 to 4, still more preferably from 1 to 3, still more preferably 1 or 2.
  • the linker–L– represents–La–,–La–Le–,–La–Lb–Le–, or–La–Ld–Le–;
  • –La– represents –(CH 2 ) o –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, or–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ;
  • –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO—NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –,–(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le– represents –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – or –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –; and
  • –L– represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le– ;
  • –La– represents –(CH 2 ) o –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, or–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ;
  • –Lb— represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –,–(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le– represents –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – or –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –; and
  • –L is selected from: –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, and –La–Ld–Le–;
  • –La— is selected from: –(CH 2 ) o –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –,–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ; –Lb— represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO–;
  • –Ld— is selected from:–(CH 2 ) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, and –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le— is selected from: –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – and –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –;
  • o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; and n represents 1 is also preferred. Even more preferred is a oligosaccharide of general formula (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein–L– represents–(CH 2 ) o – and o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • oligosaccharide of general (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein–L– represents–(CH 2 ) o –, o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and n represents 1.
  • –O-L-E is selected from the group consisting of:
  • R ⁇ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
  • X represents —Br, –Cl, –I, –CO 2 H, or –SAc.
  • Particularly preferred,–O-L-E is selected from the group consisting of:
  • oligosaccharide of general formula (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein–L– represents–(CH 2 ) o –, o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 E represents an amino group.
  • the oligosaccharide according to the present invention is selected from the group consisting of:
  • Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) T*–[(–U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m –(V x+2 –V x+1 –V x ) 1-m ] n –T–O–L–E
  • n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 ,8, 9 and 10;
  • L represents a linker
  • R ⁇ represents —H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
  • P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with E p being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein;
  • P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; A3) performing removal of protecting group P3; A4) treating the product of step A3) with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; A5) performing removal of protecting group P6; A6) repeating steps A4) and A5) two times to obtain intermediate compound 4a;
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with E p being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; A7) optionally repeating steps A2)– A6) in the following order A2) ⁇ A3) ⁇ A2) ⁇ A3) ⁇ A4) ⁇ A5) ⁇ A6) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5a,
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; A8) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
  • a further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: B1) providing a monosaccharide 1
  • P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; B2) treating monosaccharide 1 with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; B3) performing removal of protecting group P6; B4) repeating steps B2) and B3) two times; B5) treating the product of step B4) with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with E p being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; B7) optionally repeating steps B2)– B6) in the following order B5) ⁇ B6) ⁇ B2) ⁇ B3) ⁇ B4) ⁇ B5) ⁇ B6) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5b
  • a further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: C1) providing a monosaccharide
  • P1 , P2 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with E p being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; C2) treating monosaccharide 6 with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; C3) performing removal of protecting group P6; C4) treating the product of step C3) with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; C5) performing removal of protecting group P3; C6) repeating steps C4) and C5); C7) repeating steps C2) and C3) to obtain intermediate compound 4d;
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with E p being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; C8) optionally repeating steps C2)– C7) in the following order C2) ⁇ C3) ⁇ C2) ⁇ C3) ⁇ C4) ⁇ C5) ⁇ C6) ⁇ C7) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5d
  • a further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: D1) providing a monosaccharide
  • P1 , P2 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; D2) treating monosaccharide 6 with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; D3) performing removal of protecting group P6; D4) repeating steps D2) and D3); D5) treating the product of step D4) with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; performing removal of protecting group P3; repeating steps D5) and D6) to obtain intermediate compound 4c;
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; D8) optionally repeating steps D2)–D7) in the following order D2) ⁇ D3) ⁇ D4) ⁇ D4) ⁇ D5) ⁇ D6) ⁇ D7) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5c,
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; D9) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
  • Another method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: E1) providing a monosaccharide
  • P1 , P2 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; E2) treating monosaccharide 6 with a building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; E3) performing removal of protecting group P3; E4) repeating steps E2) and E3); E5) treating the product of step E4) with building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; E6) performing removal of protecting group P6; E7) repeating steps E5) and E6) to obtain intermediate compound 4e;
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; E8) optionally repeating steps E2)– E6) in the following order E5) ⁇ E6) ⁇ E2) ⁇ E3) ⁇ E4) ⁇ E5) ⁇ E6) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5e,
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; E8) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain a oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
  • Another method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: F1) providing a monosaccharide 7
  • P7 , P8 and P9 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with E p being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; F2) treating monosaccharide 7 with a building block 8 in presence of an activating agent
  • P7– P10 represent protecting groups and LG3 represents a leaving group; F3) performing removal of protecting group P10; F4) treating the product of step F3) with building block 9 in presence of an activating agent
  • P7 , P8, P11 and P12 represent protecting groups and LG4 represents a leaving group; F5) performing removal of protecting group P11 to obtain intermediate compound 4f;
  • P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; F6) optionally repeating steps F2)– F5) in the following order F2) ⁇ F3) ⁇ F2) ⁇ F4) ⁇ F5) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5f,
  • P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; F7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
  • Another method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: G1) providing a monosaccharide 7
  • P7 , P8 and P9 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; G2) treating monosaccharide 7 with building block 9 in presence of an activating agent
  • P7 , P8, P11 and P12 represent protecting groups and LG4 represents a leaving group; G3) performing removal of protecting group P11; G4) treating the product of step G3) with building block 8 in presence of an activating agent
  • P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; G7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
  • Another method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: H1) providing a monosaccharide 10
  • P7 , P8 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; H2) treating monosaccharide 10 with building block 8 in presence of an activating agent
  • P7– P10 represent protecting groups and LG3 represents a leaving group; H3) performing removal of protecting group P10; H4) repeating steps H2) and H3) to obtain intermediate compound 4h;
  • P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; H5) optionally treating compound 4h with building block 9 in presence of an activating agent
  • a further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: I1) providing a monosaccharide 1 (1), wherein P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; I2) treating monosaccharide 1 with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; I3) performing removal of protecting group P3; I4) treating the product of step I3) with building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
  • a further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: J1) providing a monosaccharide 1
  • P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; J2) treating monosaccharide 1 with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; J3) performing removal of protecting group P6 J4) treating the product of step J3) with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; J6) optionally repeating steps J2)– J5) in the following order J4) ⁇ J5) ⁇ J2) ⁇ J3) ⁇ J4) ⁇ J5) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5j
  • a further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: K1) providing a monosaccharide
  • P1 , P2 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with E p being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; K2) treating monosaccharide 6 with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; K3) performing removal of protecting group P3; K4) repeating steps K2) and K3) to obtain intermediate compound 4k;
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with E p being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; K5) optionally treating compound 4k with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
  • P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; K7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
  • E p represents a solid support or a protected end group.
  • the term“protecting group” as used herein refers to commonly used groups in organic synthesis, preferably used for protection hydroxyl groups, and thiols.
  • P1 , P2 , P3, P4 , P5, P6, P7 , P8, P9, P10, P11 and P12 are suitable protecting groups for hydroxyl groups, more preferably different suitable protecting groups for hydroxyl groups capable of being removed subsequently one after another by a suitable sequence of deprotection reactions
  • Preferred protecting groups for hydroxyl groups are acetyl, phenyl, benzyl, isopropylidene, benzylidene, benzoyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-methoxybenzylidene, p-methoxyphenyl, p-bromobenzyledene, p-nitrophenyl, allyl, acetyl, isopropyl, p-bromobenzyl, dimethoxytrityl, trityl, 2-naphthylmethyl, pivaloyl, (2-nitrophenyl)acetyl, triisopropyls
  • the protecting groups can be differentiated in permanent protecting groups and temporary protecting groups.
  • Permanent protecting groups are protecting groups that are stable during the entire synthesis and that can be efficiently removed at the late stage of the synthesis.
  • permanent protecting groups include P1 , P2 , P4 P5, P7 , P8, P9, P12 , P13 and P14.
  • P1 , P2 , P4 P5, P7 , P8, P9 and P12 are masking the hydroxyl groups during the entire synthesis, while protecting groups P13 and P14 are masking the terminal amino group present in the end group E p .
  • protecting groups P1 , P2 , P5, P7 , P8 and P9 are benzyl groups
  • protecting group P4 is a benzoyl group
  • protecting group P12 is a benzyl group
  • protecting group P13 is a benzyl group
  • protecting group P14 is a benzyloxycarbonyl group (Cbz).
  • the temporary protecting groups are generally orthogonal protecting groups that can be selectively removed at different levels of the synthesis to free hydroxyl groups for subsequent introduction of different substituents, including monooligosaccharides, other protecting groups or other residues present on the molecule.
  • temporary protecting groups include P3, P6, P10 and P11.
  • the choice of leaving groups affects the stereochemical outcome of the glycosylation reactions in steps A2), A4), B2), B5), C2), C4), D2), D5), E2), E5), F2), F4), H2), H5), J2), J4), I2), I4), K2) and K5).
  • Temporary protecting groups P3, P6, P10 and P11 are preferably selected from, but are not restricted to: allyl, p-methoxybenzyl, 2-naphthylmethyl, tri-isopropylsilyl, tert- butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl, triethylsilyl, trimethylsilyl, 2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl and levulinoyl.
  • protecting groups P3, P6, P10 and P11 can be selectively removed in presence of protecting groups P1 , P2 , P4 P5, P7 , P8, P9, P12 , P13 and P14.
  • P3, P6, P10 and P11 are 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl or levulinoyl, and more preferably P3 and P11 are the same and P6 and P10 are the same.
  • protecting groups P6 and P10 represent 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl and protecting groups P3 and P11 represent -fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl or levulinoyl.
  • Building blocks 2, 3, 8 and 9 are glycosylating agents.
  • glycosylating agent refers to a monosaccharide functionalized at the anomeric position with a leaving group that upon activation with a suitable activating agent provide an oxocarbenium intermediate able to react with a nucleophile, such as a hydroxyl group.
  • a suitable activating agent provides an oxocarbenium intermediate able to react with a nucleophile, such as a hydroxyl group.
  • glycosylating agents 2, 3, 8 and 9 are functionalized at the anomeric position with leaving groups LG1 , LG2 , LG3 and LG4.
  • leaving groups suitable for the present synthesis are well known to the person skilled in carbohydrate chemistry and include halides, thioethers, imidates, acetate, sulfoxide, pentenyl, and phosphate.
  • leaving groups LG1 , LG2 , LG3 and LG4 are selected from the group of leaving groups consisting of:
  • an oxocarbenium intermediate relies on the activation of the leaving group installed at the anomeric position of the glycosylating agent with an appropriate or suitable activating agent.
  • suitable activating agents for phosphate i.e. phosphate activating agents
  • imidate i.e. imidate activating agents
  • suitable activating agents for thioether include, but are not restricted to: NIS/TfOH, NIS/TMSOTf, NIS/BF .
  • silyl triflate examples include, but are not restricted to trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, tert-butyl dimethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, triiospropyl trifluoromethanesulfonate.
  • LG1 , LG2 , LG3 and LG4 are thioethers and even more preferred is when LG1 , LG2 , LG3 and LG4 are selected from the group consisting of: , , .
  • the coupling reaction between oligosaccharides in the steps A2), A4), B2), B5), C2), C4), D2), D5), E2), E5), F2), F4), G2), G4), H2), H5), J2), J4), I2), I4), K2) and K5) is performed by activation with NIS/TfOH or TMSOTf, in a mixture of apolar solvent and polar aprotic solvent at a temperature of between -78°C or -50°C to 0°C or between–10°C and +10°C.
  • polar aprotic solvents are tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether and dioxane.
  • Preferred apolar solvents are toluene, halogenated solvents such as chloroform and methylene chloride.
  • Preferred mixtures of apolar and polar aprotic solvent are: methylene chloride / tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride / diethyl ether, toluene / diethyl ether, toluene/ tetrahydrofuran.
  • the base is NaOMe or LiOH;
  • a further aspect according to the present invention refers to an intermediate compound for preparing a oligosaccharide of the general formulae (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k) , wherein the intermediate compound has any one of general formulae (I2a), (I2b), (I2c), (I2d), (I2e), (I2f), (I2g), (I2h), (I2h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k) , wherein the intermediate compound has any one of general formulae (I
  • C represents–L–E p with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E
  • P1 , P2 , P3, P4 , P5, P6, P7 , P8, P9, P10, P11 and P12 represent protecting groups
  • E and L have the same meanings as defined above.
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –,–(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le– represents –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – or –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –; and
  • An especially preferred intermediate is an intermediate of formula (I2a), (I2b), (I2c), (I2d), (I2e), (I2f), (I2g), (I2h), (I3a), (I3b), (I3c), (I3d), (I3e), (I3f), (I3g), (I3h), (I3i), (I3j), (I3k), (I3l), (I3m), (I3n), (I4a), (I4b), (I4c), (I4d), (I4e), (I4f), (I4g), (I4h), (I4i), (I4j), (I5a), (I5b), (I5c), (I5d), (I5e), (I5f), (I5g), (I5h), (I5i), (I4j), (I5a), (I5b), (I5c), (I5d), (I5e), (I5f), (I5g),
  • P1 , P2 , P3, P4 , P5, P6, P7 , P8, P9, P10, P11 and P12 are suitable protecting groups for hydroxyl groups, more preferably different suitable protecting groups for hydroxyl groups capable of being removed subsequently one after another by a suitable sequence of deprotection reactions.
  • Preferred protecting groups for hydroxyl groups are acetyl, phenyl, benzyl, isopropylidene, benzylidene, benzoyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-methoxybenzylidene, p-methoxyphenyl, p-bromobenzyledene, p-nitrophenyl, allyl, acetyl, isopropyl, p-bromobenzyl, dimethoxytrityl, trityl, 2-naphthylmethyl, pivaloyl, (2- nitrophenyl)acetyl, triisopropylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, tert-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl, triethylsilyl, trimethylsilyl, 2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl, 9-fluoren
  • intermediates (I2a), (I2b), (I2c), (I2d), (I2e), (I2f), (I2g), (I2h), (I3a), (I3b), (I3c), (I3d), (I3e), (I3f), (I3g), (I3h), (I3i), (I3j), (I3k), (I3l), (I3m), (I3n), (I4a), (I4b), (I4c), (I4d), (I4e), (I4f), (I4g), (I4h), (I4i), (I4j), (I5a), (I5b), (I5c), (I5d), (I5e), (I5f), (I5g), (I5h), (I5i) or (I5j), are especially preferred when protecting groups P1 , P2 , P5, P7 , P8 and P9 are benzyl groups, protecting group, P3, P6, P9
  • Glycoconjugates Another aspect of the present invention refers to a conjugate comprising an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) covalently bound or covalently linked to an immunogenic carrier through the terminal group E of the–O–L–E group.
  • another aspect of the present invention is directed to an oligosaccharide of any of the general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) conjugated with an immunogenic carrier through the terminal group E of the–O–L–E group.
  • a conjugate comprising a synthetic oligosaccharide of the general formula (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k), covalently bound or covalently linked to an immunogenic carrier through the terminal group E of the–O–L–E group is also defined as a conjugate obtained by reacting an oligosaccharide of any of the general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II- k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) with an immunogenic carrier.
  • TI-2 antigens are antigens, which are recognized only by mature B cells through the cross linking of surface exposed immunoglobulin receptors. Without T cell help, no immunological memory is generated and neither isotype switching from IgM to other IgG subclasses, nor B cells affinity maturation occurs.
  • oligosaccharides are known poor immunogens in humans due to the structural homology to human glycolipids and glycoproteins.
  • oligosaccharides Due to their poor immunogenic properties, oligosaccharides manifest poor ability to produce both antibody production by B cells, as well as the formation of memory cells, features which are essential for the production of potent vaccines. Therefore, to produce a potent oligosaccharide-based vaccine, the oligosaccharides of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) are conjugated to an immunogenic carrier to provide conjugates, which present increased immunogenicity in comparison with the oligosaccharide.
  • a conjugate comprising a oligosaccharide fragment T*–[(–U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m –(V x+2 –V x+1 –V x ) 1-m ] n –T–O– wherein m, n, x, U x+1 , U x+2 , U x+3 , U x+4 , V x , V x+1 , V x+2 , T and T* have the meanings defined herein, covalently linked through the O atom to an immunogenic carrier.
  • Said conjugate comprises at least one synthetic oligosaccharide of the general formula (I) and an immunogenic carrier to which the at least one oligosaccharide (I) is covalently bound.
  • Said antibodies are cross-reacting with the natural Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 lipopolyoligosaccharides and present opsonophagocytosis and bactericidal activity, thus conferring protection against Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria.
  • immunogenic carrier is defined as a structure, which is conjugated to the oligosaccharide to form a conjugate that presents an increased of the oligosaccharides of the general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) to the immunogenic carrier has as effect the stimulation of the immune response against the oligosaccharide of general formula (I) without inducing an immune response against said immunogenic carrier.
  • Preferred immunogenic carriers are carrier proteins or glycosphingolipids with immunomodulatory properties.
  • a carrier protein is a protein selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a diphtheria toxoid, a mutated diphtheria toxoid, a modified diphtheria toxoid, a mutated and modified diphtheria toxoid, a tetanus toxoid, a modified tetanus toxoid, a mutated tetanus toxoid, non-lipidated cell-surface liporotein (protein D) of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, outer membrane protein (OMP) complex of Neisseria meningitidis, bovine serum albumin (BSA), keyhole limpet hemocyanine (KLH), recombinant non-toxic form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (rEPA) or cholera toxoid (CT).
  • a diphtheria toxoid a
  • toxoid refers to a bacterial toxin (usually an exotoxin), whose toxicity has been inactivated or suppressed either by chemical (formalin) or heat treatment, while other properties, typically immunogenicity, are maintained.
  • a mutated toxoid as used herein is a recombinant bacterial toxin, which has been amended to be less toxic or even non-toxic by amending the wild-type amino acid sequence. Such a mutation could be a substitution of one or more amino acids.
  • Such a mutated toxoid presents on its surface a functionality that can react with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide a modified toxoid.
  • Said functionality is known to the person skilled in the art and includes, but is not restricted to the primary amino functionality of a lysine residue that can react with activated esters, an isocyanate group or an aldehyde in presence of a reducing agent, to the carboxylate functionality of a glutamate or aspartate residue that can be activated by carbodiimides or to the thiol functionality of a cysteine residue.
  • Activated esters include N-( ⁇ -maleimidobutyryloxy) sulfosuccinimide ester (sulfo- GMBS), succinimidyl (4-iodoacetyl) aminobenzoate (sulfo-SIAB), succinimidyl-3- (bromoacetamido)propionate (SBAP), disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG), disuccinimidyl adipate (DSA), 2-pyridyldithiol-tetraoxatetradecane-N-hydroxysuccinimide (PEG-4- SPDP) (see Figure 2).
  • the cysteine residue on the carrier protein can be converted to the corresponding dehydroalanine that can be further reacted with a suitable interconnecting molecule to provide modified carrier protein having on their surface the functional group X of the interconnecting molecule.
  • the oligosaccharides of general formula I are conjugated to the non-toxic mutated diphtheria toxin CRM 197 presenting as a functionality a primary amine functionality of a lysine residue.
  • CRM 197 like wild-type diphtheria toxin is a single polypeptide chain of 535 amino acids (58 kD) consisting of two subunits linked by disulfide bridges having a single amino acid substitution of glutamic acid for glycine.
  • the carrier protein presents on its surface primary amino functionalities of lysine residues that are able to react with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide modified carrier protein having on their surface said functional group X of the interconnecting molecule, which is able to react with the terminal amino group of the linker of the compounds of general formula (I).
  • Said functional group X of the interconnecting molecules is selected of the group comprising or consisting of maleimide; ⁇ -iodoacetyl; ⁇ -bromoacetyl; and N-hydroxy- succinimide ester (NHS), aldehyde, imidoester, carboxylic acid, alkyl sulfonate, sulfonyl chloride, epoxide, anhydride, carbonate (see Figure 3).
  • the oligosaccharide of general formula I is conjugated to the non-toxic mutated diphtheria toxin CRM 197 , which is modified by maleimide.
  • the oligosaccharide of general formula I is conjugated to the non-toxic mutated diphtheria toxin CRM 197 , which is modified by ⁇ -bromoacetamide. In the most preferred embodiment, the oligosaccharide of general formula I is conjugated to the non-toxic mutated diphtheria toxin CRM 197 , which is modified by N- hydroxysuccinimide adipate.
  • c is comprised between 2 and 18;
  • a represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10,
  • b represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3 and 4,
  • CP is a carrier protein
  • CP is CRM197.
  • the conjugate is of general formula (IV), wherein CP is CRM 197 and c,–E 1 –, W, m, n, x, L, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1, Vx+2, T and T* have the meanings as defined herein.
  • the linker–L– is selected from: –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, and –La–Ld–Le–;
  • –La– is selected from: –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
  • –Ld— is selected from:–(CH2)q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, and –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
  • —Le— is selected from: –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– and –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–;
  • the linker–L– is selected from: –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, and –La–Ld–Le–; –La— is selected from: –(CH 2 ) o –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –,–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— is selected from:–(CH 2 ) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, and –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le— is selected from: –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – and –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –;
  • o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 –W– represents
  • x 1,
  • V*– represents H.
  • the linker–L– is selected from: –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, and –La–Ld–Le–; –La— is selected from: –(CH 2 ) o –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –,–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— is selected from:–(CH 2 ) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, and –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le— is selected from: –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – and –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –;
  • o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 –W– represents
  • o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6; , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 –W– represents
  • V*– represents H.
  • linker–L represents—(CH 2 ) o – ,
  • o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6; , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 –W– represents
  • c is comprised between 2 and 18, more preferably between 5 and 15, even more preferably between 8 and 12. It is also preferred that n represents 1.
  • V conjugate of general formula (V) [H–((–U x+4 –U x+3 –U x+2 –U x+1 –U x ) m –(V x+2 –V x+1 –V x ) 1-m ) n –O–L–E 1 –W] c –CRM 197 (V) wherein
  • c is comprised between 2 and 18;
  • –E 1 – represents a covalent bond, —NH–, –O–NH–, –O–, –S–, –CO—,
  • a represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10,
  • b represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3 and 4;
  • said immunogenic carrier is preferably a glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties, and more preferably (2S,3S,4R)-1-( ⁇ -D- galactopyranosyl)-2-hexacosanoylaminooctadecane-3,4-diol.
  • glyco- sphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties refers to a suitable glycosphingolipid capable of stimulating the immune system's response to a target antigen, but which does not in itself confer immunity as defined above.
  • Glycosphingolipids as used herein are compounds containing a carbohydrate moiety ⁇ –linked to a sphingolipid.
  • the carbohydrate moiety is a hexopyranose and most preferably is ⁇ -D-galactopyranose.
  • sphingolipids are a class of lipids containing a C18 amino alcohol connected via an amide bond to a fatty acid.
  • the C18 amino alcohol is preferably mono-, di- or polysubstituted with hydroxyl groups. Especially preferred, the C18 amino alcohol is phytosphingosine.
  • the fatty acid is preferably a monocarboxylic acid having a saturated alkyl chain of a number of carbons ranging from 16 to 28 and more preferably from 18 to 26.
  • Glycosphingolipids with immunomodulatory properties include, but they are not restricted to (2S,3S,4R)-1-( ⁇ -D-galactopyranosyl)-2- hexacosanoylaminooctadecane-3,4-diol, which can stimulate natural killer (NK) activity and cytokine production by natural killer T (NKT) cells and exhibits potent antitumor activity in vivo (Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 1998, 95, 5690).
  • the conjugates of the oligosaccharides of general formula I with a glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties have the advantage of being heat stable.
  • a functionality is introduced on the glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties.
  • Said functionality is prone to react directly with the terminal amino group of the linker of the oligosaccharides of general formula I to provide conjugates of the oligosaccharides of general formula I, or with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide the modified glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties.
  • said functionality is introduced at the C6 of the carbohydrate moiety of the glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties.
  • the glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties is functionalized with a functionality, which is prone of reacting with the terminal amino group of the oligosaccharides or with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule.
  • a functionality prone to react with an amino group includes, but it is not restricted to activated ester, isocyanate group, aldehyde, epoxide, imidoester, carboxylic acid, alkyl sulfonate and sulfonyl chloride.
  • the modified glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties presenting the functional group X of the interconnecting molecule includes, but it is not restricted to amine, alcohol, thiol, activated ester, isocyanate group, aldehyde, epoxide, vinyl, imidoester, carboxylic acid, alkyl sulfonate, sulfonyl chloride, vinyl group, alkynyl group and azido group.
  • the functionality introduced at the C6 of the carbohydrate moiety of the glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties is selected from the group comprising or containing an amine, a thiol, an alcohol, a carboxylic acid, a vinyl, maleimide, ⁇ -iodoacetyl, ⁇ -bromoacetyl, N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHS), 2-pyridyldithiols.
  • Said functional group X of the interconnecting molecules is selected of the group comprising or consisting of maleimide, ⁇ -iodoacetyl, ⁇ -bromoacetyl, N-hydroxy- succinimide ester (NHS), aldehyde, carboxylic acid, epoxide, alkyl sulfonate, sulfonyl chloride, anhydride, carbonate.
  • interconnecting molecule refers to a bifunctional molecule containing functional group X and functional group Y, wherein functional group X is capable of reacting with the terminal amino group on the linker–L– and the functional group Y is capable of reacting with a functionality present on the immunogenic carrier or on the solid support.
  • Vaccines containing at least one conjugate of the present invention cause fewer side effects and/or non-protective immune responses in comparison to vaccines containing isolated (and not synthesized) mixtures of oligosaccharides obtained by non-selective cleavage of the capsular poly-,oligosaccharide of Klebsiella pneumoniae or conjugates thereof.
  • inventive vaccines can be easier manufactured in accordance with the GMP regulations than the vaccines containing isolated mixtures of non- selectively cleaved capsular poly-,oligosaccharides and are easier characterized, which makes stability and purity control easier as well as detection of kind and amount of impurities. More preferred is a conjugate of any one of the formulae (V-1)– (V-11):
  • L, E 1 , W, c, and n have the same meanings as defined above. More preferred is a conjugate of any one of the formulae (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11), wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10.
  • a conjugate of general formula (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11), wherein–W— represents and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 is especially preferred.
  • the linker–L– represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
  • –La– represents –(CH 2 ) o –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –C 2 H 4 –, or–(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) o –CH 2 ;
  • –Lb— represents –O–, –NH–CO—NH–, –NH–CO–CH 2 –NH–, –NH–CO—;
  • –Ld— represents –(CH 2 ) q –,–(CH(OH)) q –, –(CF 2 ) q –, –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –C 2 H 4 –, or –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) q –CH 2 –;
  • –Le– represents –(CH 2 ) p1 –, –(CF 2 ) p1 –, –C 2 H 4 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 –, –CH 2 –(O–CH 2 –CH 2 ) p1 – or –(CH 2 ) p1 –O–(CH 2 ) p2 –; and
  • a conjugate comprising a oligosaccharide of any one of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k), and particularly a conjugate of any one of general formulae (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11), elicits a protective immune response in a human and/or animal host, and therefore is useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria.
  • the conjugates comprising the oligosaccharides of general formula (I) conjugated to an immunogenic carrier are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria containing in their lipopolysaccharide one of the following oligosaccharide fragments: -2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 3)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 3)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1-;
  • the bacterium containing in the lipopolysaccharide one of the above mentioned oligosaccharide fragments is Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5.
  • the conjugates comprising the oligosaccharides of general formula I conjugated to an immunogenic carrier are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with bacteria, and particularly with diseases associated with bacteria containing in their O-polysaccharide one of the following oligosaccharide fragments: -2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 3)- ⁇ -D- Man-(1, 3)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1-; -3)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 2)- ⁇ -D-Man- (1 3) M (1 3) M (1 3) M (1 3) M (1 3) M (1 3) M (1 2) M (1 2) M (1 2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1-; -2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 3)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 3)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1, 2)- ⁇ -D-Man-(1,
  • Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition or a vaccine comprising at least one conjugate that comprises an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) conjugated to an immunogenic carrier and/or at least one oligosaccharide of general formula (I) together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant and/or excipient.
  • Said pharmaceutical composition can be used for raising a protective immune response in a human and/or animal host.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is suitable for use in humans.
  • said pharmaceutical composition or vaccine further comprises at least one of capsular polysaccharides, O- polysaccharides and/or capsular polysaccharides, O-polysaccharide fragments and/or protein conjugates thereof of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria selected from the group comprising or consisting of Klebsiella pneumoniae serotypes O1, O2 (O2a, O2ac,...), O4, O7, O8, O12 and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 Galactan-III.
  • the term“adjuvant” as used herein refers to an immunological adjuvant i.e.
  • immunological adjuvants include, but are not restricted to oil emulsions (e.g. Freund's adjuvant), saponins, aluminum or calcium salts (e.g. alum), non-ionic block polymer surfactants, and many others.
  • compositions are preferably in aqueous form, particularly at the point of administration, but they can also be presented in non-aqueous liquid forms or in dried forms e g as gelatin capsules or as lyophilisates etc
  • Pharmaceutical compositions may include one or more preservatives, such as thiomersal or 2-phenoxyethanol.
  • Mercury-free compositions are preferred, and preservative-free vaccines can be prepared.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions may include a physiological salt, such as a sodium salt e.g. to control tonicity.
  • Sodium chloride (NaCl) is typical and may be present at between 1 and 20 mg/ml.
  • compositions can have an osmolality of between 200 mOsm/kg and 400 mOsm/kg.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions may include compounds (with or without an insoluble metal salt) in plain water (e.g. w.f.i.), but will usually include one or more buffers.
  • Typical buffers include: a phosphate buffer; a Tris buffer; a borate buffer; a succinate buffer; a histidine buffer (particularly with an aluminium hydroxide adjuvant); or a citrate buffer. Buffer salts will typically be included in the 5-20 mM range.
  • compositions typically have a pH between 5.0 and 9.5 e.g. between 6.0 and 8.0. Pharmaceutical compositions are preferably sterile and gluten free. Pharmaceutical compositions are suitable for administration to animal (and, in particular, human) patients, and thus include both human and veterinary uses. They may be used in a method of raising an immune response in a patient, comprising the step of administering the composition to the patient.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered before a subject is exposed to a Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 and/or after a subject is exposed to a Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5.
  • the present invention is directed to the use of at least one conjugate that comprises at least one oligosaccharide of general formula (I) conjugated to an immunogenic carrier and/or at least one oligosaccharide vaccine for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b or O5 bacteria, particularly, diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b or O5 bacteria is selected from the group comprising or consisting of pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, urinary tract infection, wound infection, osteomyelitis, bacteremia, septicemia and ankylosing spondylitis.
  • diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b or O5 bacteria is selected from the group comprising or consisting of pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, urinary tract infection, wound infection, osteomyelitis, bacteremia, septicemia and ankylosing spondylitis.
  • the present invention refers to the use of at least one oligosaccharide of any one of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) and/or at least one of the conjugates comprising at least one oligosaccharide of any one of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) for the manufacture of said pharmaceutical composition or said vaccine.
  • the present invention refers to the use of at least one of the oligosaccharides I'a-1– I'a-11, I'a-1– I'b-11, I'b-1– I'c-11, I'c-1– I'c-11, I'd-1– I'd- 11, I'e-1– I'e-11 and I'f-1– I'f-11 and/or at least one of the conjugates comprising at least one of the oligosaccharides I'a-1– I'a-11, I'a-1– I'b-11, I'b-1– I'c-11, I'c-1– I'c-11, I'd-1– I'd-11, I'e-1– I'e-11 and I'f-1– I'f-11 for the manufacture of said pharmaceutical composition or said vaccine.
  • the present invention refers to the use of at least one conjugate of any one of general formulae (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11) for the manufacture of said pharmaceutical composition or said vaccine.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared in unit dose form.
  • the dose of the inventive conjugate is between 0.1 and 10 ⁇ g, preferably 1 and 10 ⁇ g, preferably 0.2 and 9 ⁇ g, more preferably 0.5 and 9 ⁇ g, preferably 1 and 6 ⁇ g, and most preferably 1 and 5 ⁇ g.
  • a unit dose may have a volume of between 0.1-1.0 mL e.g. about 0.5 mL.
  • the invention also provides a delivery device (e.g.
  • compositions of the invention may be prepared in various forms. For example, the compositions may be prepared as injectables, either as liquid solutions or suspensions.
  • Solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in, liquid vehicles prior to injection can also be prepared (e.g. a lyophilised composition or a spray- freeze dried composition).
  • the composition may be prepared for topical administration e.g. as an ointment, cream or powder.
  • the composition may be prepared for oral administration e.g. as a tablet or capsule, as a spray, or as a syrup (optionally flavoured).
  • the composition may be prepared for pulmonary administration e.g. by an inhaler, using a fine powder or a spray.
  • the composition may be prepared as a suppository.
  • the composition may be prepared for nasal, aural or ocular administration e.g. as a spray or drops. Injectables for intramuscular administration are typical.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions may comprise an effective amount of an adjuvant i.e. an amount which, when administered to an individual, either in a single dose or as part of a series, is effective for enhancing the immune response to a co- administered Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 antigen.
  • an adjuvant i.e. an amount which, when administered to an individual, either in a single dose or as part of a series, is effective for enhancing the immune response to a co- administered Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 antigen.
  • This amount can vary depending upon the health and physical condition of the individual to be treated, age, the taxonomic group of individual to be treated (e.g. non-human primate, primate, etc.), the capacity of the individual's immune system to synthesize antibodies, the degree of protection desired, the formulation of the vaccine, the treating doctor's assessment of the medical situation, and other relevant factors.
  • the amount will fall in a
  • a therapeutically effective dosage of one conjugate according to the present invention or of one oligosaccharide of general formula (I) refers to that amount of the compound that results in an at least a partial immunization against a disease. Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined by standard pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and toxicological procedures in cell cultures or therapeutic index. The actual amount of the composition administered will be dependent on the subject being treated, on the subject's weight, the severity of the affliction, the manner of administration and the judgment of the prescribing physician.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of inducing immune response against Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 in a human and/or animal host, said method comprising administering of the oligosaccharide of general formula (I) and/or salt thereof and/or a conjugate thereof or pharmaceutical composition thereof to said human and/or animal host.
  • a method of treating or preventing diseases caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5, in a human and/or animal host according to the present invention comprises administering of at least one oligosaccharide of general formula (I) and/or salt thereof and/or a conjugate thereof or pharmaceutical composition thereof to said human and/or animal host.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention refers to oligosaccharide of general formula (I) for use as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against bacteria containing in their O-poly-,oligosaccharide one of the following oligosaccharide fragments:
  • Such assays comprise, for instance, microarray and ELISA useful for detection of antibodies against bacteria containing in their O poly oligosaccharide one of the above mentioned oligosaccharide fragments, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5.
  • the O-antigens of K. pneumoniae O3, O3b and O5 are shared respectively by E. coli O9, and O8.
  • the O5-antigen is shared by Burkholderia ceparcia O2 and E, and Serratia marcescens O28. Therefore, O-poly-,oligosaccharide one of the above mentioned oligosaccharide fragments can be used for detection of antibodies against E. coli O8, and O9. Burkholderia ceparcia O2 and E and Serratia marcescens O28.
  • the oligosaccharides of the present invention can be easily conjugated to solid supports for providing immunological assays useful for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5.
  • solid supports present on their surface a functionality that is prone to react with the amino group of oligosaccharides of general formula (I) or with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide modified solid supports, presenting on their surface the functional group X of the interconnecting molecule that can further react with the amino group of oligosaccharides of general formula (I).
  • the solid supports are microarray slides, which present on their surface a functionality that is prone to react with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide modified microarray slides, presenting of their surface the functional group X of the interconnecting molecule.
  • microarray slides examples include, but are not restricted to Corning® epoxide coated slides or Corning® GAPSTM II coated slides.
  • the solid supports are microarray slides presenting on their surface a functionality that is prone to react with the amino group of oligosaccharides of general formula (I), and more preferably an N- hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activated ester.
  • Such microarray slides are for example CodeLink® NHS slides.
  • Figure 1 shows the chemical structure of the repeating unit of Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and O5 LPS O-polysaccharide.
  • Figure 2 provides examples of functional group X of the interconnecting molecule according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 provides examples of functional group X of the interconnecting molecule according to the present invention.
  • Figure 4 (A) shows a CRM 197 conjugate of the present invention; (B) structure of 21*-CRM 197 ; and (C) 69*-CRM 197 .
  • Figure 5 shows SDS-PAGE of glycoconjugates (2.5 ⁇ g/well) 21*-CRM 197 and 69*-CRM 197 used in immunization experiments resolved using a 10 % polyacrylamide gel;
  • LPS LPS (O5).
  • the sera were diluted 1:200 with 1% BSA-PBS.
  • Diluted sera 100 ⁇ L was added per well of the microtiter plate which was coated with 1.0 ⁇ g of the corresponding LPS.
  • Detection was done using a HRP conjugated goat anti-mouse secondary antibody diluted to 1:10000 and developed using the TMB substrate. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm and the data were plotted using the GraphPad prism software.
  • Sera of 69*-CRM 197 formulation were tested against corresponding O-antigen BSA conjugate 69*-BSA.
  • the sera were diluted 1:1000 and 10,000 with 1% BSA-PBS.
  • Diluted sera 100 ⁇ L was added per well of the microtiter plate which was coated with 0.5 ⁇ g of the corresponding 69*-BSA.
  • Detection was done using a HRP conjugated goat anti- rabbit secondary antibody diluted to 1:10000 and developed using the TMB substrate. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm and the data were plotted using the GraphPad prism software.
  • Sera of 69*-CRM 197 formulation was tested against LPS isolated from different KPC strains #1-#4. In both cases, the sera was tested against the LPS (O1), Commercial-LPS (O2 a,c), LPS (O 2a), LPS (O5) and LPS (Gal III). Sera were diluted 1:200 with 1% BSA-PBS and 100 ⁇ L of the diluted sera was added per well of the microtiter plate which was coated with 1.0 ⁇ g of the corresponding LPS. Detection was done using a HRP conjugated goat anti-rabbit secondary antibody diluted to 1:10000 and developed using the TMB substrate. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm and the data were plotted using the GraphPad prism software. Examples A. Chemical synthesis General information:
  • Compound 31* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and azido-PEG7-alcohol.
  • Compound 37* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 4-penten-1-ol.
  • reaction mixture was then cooled to -78 °C and compound 41* (275 mg, 0.277 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added dropwise and stirred for 6 h at -78 °C and then warmed to 0 °C over 1 h.
  • the reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. NaHCO 3 solution (25 mL) and extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 (2 x 35 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with brine (10 mL) and dried over anhydr Na 2 SO 4 Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (220 mg, 54%).
  • Compound 52* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 11-azido-3,6,9-trioxaundecanol.
  • Compound 53* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 11-azido-3,6,9-trioxaundecanol.
  • Reaction mixture was then cooled to ⁇ 78 °C and compound 66* (75 mg, 0.034 mmol) in DCM (1.5 mL) was added dropwise and stirred for 6 h at -78 °C and then warmed to -25 °C within 1 h.
  • Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. NaHCO 3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with brine (10 mL) and dried over anhydr. Na 2 SO 4 .
  • Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product (as ⁇ / ⁇ mixture) after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (35 mg, 38%).
  • Example 5 Synthesis of K. pneumoniae serotype O5 nonasaccharide Compound 70* To a solution of compound 63* (720 mg, 0.978 mmol) and 4-methoxyphenol (121 mg, 0.978 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (7.3 mL) and dioxane (2.5 mL) was added 4 ⁇ MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. TMSOTf (18 ⁇ L, 0.098 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at -10 °C for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO 3 solution (35 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x 50 mL).
  • Reaction mixture was then cooled to -78 °C and compound 73* (300 mg, 0.303 mmol) in DCM (4 mL) was added dropwise and stirred for 6 h at -78 °C and then warmed to 0 °C within 1 h.
  • Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. NaHCO 3 solution (25 mL) and extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with brine (10 mL), dried over anhydr. Na 2 SO 4 , and concentrated under reduced pressure.
  • Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (300 mg, 67%).
  • the resin is washed with DCM, DMF and THF (3x, 2 mL, 25 s each) before swelling in DCM (2 mL) for 30 mins with occasional mixing using pulsed Argon bubbling.
  • DCM (2 mL) is delivered into the reaction vessel, and the temperature is adjusted to - 20 °C.
  • the DCM is drained and replaced by another 2 mL of DCM before TMSOTf solution (1 mL) is added dropwise.
  • the mixture is incubated for 1.5 mins under Ar bubbling before draining washing with 2 mL DCM for 25 s.
  • DCM (2 mL) is added to the resin and the temperature is set to the activation temperature T1- 2 K. While cooling down, the building block solution is delivered to the reaction vessel. After the set temperature has stabilized at T1 - 2 K, the reaction is started by adding 1 mL of activator solution. The mixture is kept at T1 for 5 minutes before a second 20 minute incubation cycle is started during which the temperature is raised to a temperature T2. Upon completion of the incubation cycle the reaction mixture is drained and the resin is washed once each with DCM:Dioxane 1:1 (2 mL) and DCM (2mL). The module finishes by raising the temperature to 25 °C while performing two additional DCM washes (2 mL).
  • the resin is washed with DMF (3x, 2 mL, 25s) and the temperature of the reaction vessel is adjusted to 25 °C.2 mL of FMOC deprotection solution is delivered into the reaction vessel. After 5 mins, the solution was drained through the UV-sensor and the resin is washed with DMF (3x, 2 mL) and DCM (5x, 2mL, 60 s each). The temperature of the reaction vessel was decreased to -20 °C in preparation of the next cycle.
  • the oligosaccharides were cleaved from solid support using a continuous flow photoreactor.
  • DCM stabilized with amylene, LC-MS grade
  • Wavelength 300 nm
  • fresh DCM 20 mL
  • the filtrate so obtained is concentrated in-vacuo and subjected to further analysis and purification. Purification and HPLC analysis
  • ⁇ Detection antibody Goat anti rabbit IgG peroxidase conjugate (Sigma, #A4914) and Goat anti-Mouse IgG (H+L) peroxidase conjugate (Dianova Code: 115-035- 068).
  • Blocking solution 1 % FCS (v/v) in PBS.
  • Alum Aluminium Hydroxide Gel Adjuvant (Alhydrogel® 2%), Brenntag, Batch #:5447 Exp Dt: Feb 2020.
  • the purified LPS were used as coating antigen in Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
  • ELISA Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • the KPC synthetic antigens were 21* and 69* conjugated to the carrier protein CRM197 (21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197) for immunization experiments and to Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA; (21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197)) as coating antigen for ELISA according to the procedure described below.
  • BSA Bovine Serum Albumin
  • Step 1 PNP-ester synthesis Compound 21* or 69* (1 eq) was dissolved in DMSO or DMSO-H 2 O at room temperature in a 8 mL vial. Activated bis-(4-nitrophenyl) adipate (20 eq) was added to it and stirred for 5 minutes.
  • Step 2 Conjugation to the protein Conjugation procedure: The PNP ester of 21* or 69* in 50 ⁇ L of 0.15 M NaCl in NaPi buffer was added dropwise to the reaction vial containing CRM197 or BSA in buffer ( ⁇ 150 ⁇ L).
  • the vial was finally rinsed with 50 ⁇ L of buffer solution and transferred to the reaction vial completely. Thus making the volume of the reaction in the vial ⁇ 200 ⁇ L. The reaction mixture became yellow in colour and stirred the reaction mixture at r.t. for 24h.
  • the conjugate solution (21*-CRM197, 69*-CRM197, 21*-CRM197 or 69*-CRM197) was transferred to an Amicon® Ultra-0.5 mL centrifugal filter, centrifuged for 6 minutes at 2-8 °C.300 ⁇ L of buffer were added to the reaction vial, rinsed and transferred to the filter and centrifuged again. Additional washings were done using 1X PBS solution and centrifuging till the yellow colour was gone and the conjugate became clear solution. After the final wash the conjugate was stored in 1X PBS solution at 2-8 ⁇ C.
  • the conjugates were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, SEC chromatography, and MALDI analysis.
  • the loading of the sugar on the carrier was specifically calculated by subtracting the mass between the conjugated and unconjugated protein using MALDI analysis.
  • the protein content was estimated using the micro BCA method following manufacture protocol.
  • the samples were mixed in a microfuge tube and heated for 5 min at 95 °C on a thermocycler. After cooling to room temperature for 5 min, the samples at approximately 2,5 ⁇ g were loaded onto the respective wells of a 10 % polyacrylamide gel along with 10 ⁇ L of the marker. The samples were run at a constant voltage of 120V for 1 h. Staining was done using the GelCodeTM Blue Safe Protein Stain as per manufacture instructions. The gels were washed with deionized water overnight and scanned using the gel documentation system. 2.2 Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) of Glycoconjugates.
  • SEC Size Exclusion Chromatography
  • the glycoconjugates (21*-CRM 197 and 69*-CRM 197 ) used for immunization studies were analyzed by SEC to observe a mass difference between the conjugated and unconjugated CRM protein.
  • the samples were diluted in 50 mM Tris, 20 mM NaCl, pH 7,2 and run on a Agilent 1100 HPLC system fitted with Tosoh TSK G2000 column (SWxl, 7.8 mm x 30 cm, 5 ⁇ m) and a Tosoh TSKgel® Guard Column (SWxl 6.0mm x 4cm, 7 ⁇ m). The flow rate was kept at 1 mL/min.
  • glycoconjugates were formulated in aluminum hydroxide (alum) adjuvant for mice studies, and in Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant (IFA) for immunization in rabbits. 3.1 Formulation in alum.
  • the glycoconjugates (DS) and PBS were mixed in the appropriate pre-calculated ratio in a 50 mL FalconTM (0.25 mg/mL) required. This formed the DS-PBS mixture.
  • the antigen/ DS dose per animal was kept at 5 ⁇ g/100 ⁇ L/animal.
  • the DS-PBS mixture was gently mixed (5X) using a serological pipette.
  • To the DS-PBS mixture the corresponding volume of stock alum (10 mg/mL) was added to give a final alum ratio of 1:40 or 0.250 mg/mL.
  • the mixture was immediately mixed by gentle pipetting (20X) using a 5 mL serological pipette.
  • the FalconTM tube was capped, wrapped with Parafilm® and allowed to mix on a shaker at 250 rpm for 2 h at room temperature (RT). After the incubation time of 2 h, the formulations were brought under the clean bench, aliquoted, and further stored at 4 °C till further use. 3.2 Formulation in IFA.
  • IFA Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant
  • Protocol was followed as per manufacture.
  • Antigen IFA concentration was kept at 1:1.
  • the antigen dose per animal was kept at 5 ⁇ g/200 ⁇ L/animal (100 ⁇ L of antigen +100 ⁇ L IFA).
  • IFA at the desired calculated volume (50% of the final immunization volume) was taken in a 15 mL sterile FalconTM tube.
  • the calculated amount of the diluted antigen solution (volume adjusted with PBS to 50 % of the final immunization volume) was taken in a 3 mL sterile syringe, fitted with a 20 G needle.
  • the DS solution was added into the FalconTM tube containing the IFA and immediately vortexed for 15 sec (5X). The color of the formulation changes from pale-yellow to milky-white on vortexing which indicates the formation of stable emulsion.
  • the resulting vaccine formulation was briefly vortexed and aliquoted into 2mL sterile tubes with the desired dose volumes. Prior to immunizations, the tubes containing the vaccine formulations were vortexed and then injected into animals. 3.3 Characterization of Alum Formulations.
  • the glycoconjugates formulated in alum were characterized to determine the final alum concentration and the pH of the formulations. 4. Immunization Schedule:
  • mice and rabbit immunizations were performed under specific pathogen-free conditions and were provided food and water ad libitum.
  • the antigen dose for mice was kept at 5 ⁇ g/animal except for the antigen-7 (2.5 ⁇ g each of antigen 1, and -2).
  • the antigen dose for rabbit was kept at 5 ⁇ g/animal.
  • Conjugates 21*-BSA and 69*-BSA, and LPS #1-#4 were used as the coating antigen.
  • LPS was dissolved in isopropanol at a concentration of 10 / 20 ⁇ g/mL. 100 ⁇ L was used for coating each well resulting in a coating concentration of 1-2 ⁇ g/well. The LPS solutions were loaded into the well and subjected to overnight evaporation at r.t. inside the sterile bench.
  • conjugates 21*-BSA and 69*-BSA the respective conjugates were dissolved at a concentration of 5 ⁇ g/mL in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4. 100 ⁇ L were coated per well and incubated overnight at 4°C to get an antigen concentration of 0.5 ⁇ g/well. Washing:
  • the plates were washed 1X with PBS-T (200 ⁇ L/well) and the excess fluid per well was removed by inverting the plate and tapping on a clean dry tissue towel.
  • the plates were blocked using 200 ⁇ L of the commercial blocking solution and incubated for 2h at RT.
  • Incubation (detection antibody): The corresponding detection antibody, anti-rabbit or anti-mouse IgG HRP conjugate was diluted 1:10,000 in the antibody diluent (PBS+1% BSA) and 100 ⁇ L/well was added and incubated on a shaker at 250 rpm for 1h at RT. After the incubation with detection antibody, the plates were washed 5X with PBS-T (200 ⁇ L/well) and the excess fluid per well was removed by inverting the plate and by tapping on a clean dry tissue towel. Substrate addition:
  • the KPC antigen glycoconjugates 21*-CRM 197 and 69*-CRM 197 used for the immunization studies were analyzed for the conjugation efficiency and antigen content.
  • MALDI analysis of the glycoconjugates revealed a very good conjugation efficiency.
  • the mass differences between the conjugated and unconjugated CRM 197 protein yielded a loading from 2– 15, preferably from 3– 10 antigens/ CRM 197 molecule for the different glycoconjugates.
  • the glycoconjugates were also analyzed by a 10 % SDS-PAGE and SEC that revealed a clear mass shift as compared to the unconjugated CRM 197 protein (Fig 5A and Fig 5B).
  • Sera from 21*-CRM 197 / 69*-CRM 197 immunized mice recognize the corresponding antigens (see Figure 6). The sera also cross-react with the corresponding K. pneumoniae LPS (see Figure 7). Sera from 21*-CRM 197 / 69*-CRM 197 immunized rabbits recognize the corresponding O-antigens in the related BSA conjugates 21*-BSA and 69*-BSA, respectively (see Figure 8). Sera from 21*-CRM 197 / 69*-CRM 197 immunized mice recognize selectively the corresponding K. pneumoniae LPS (see Figure 9).
  • the herein provided data demonstrate that after immunization with a conjugate of the present invention, functional antibodies against oligosaccharides of the present invention as well as against the natural O-polysaccharides of K. pneumoniae serotypes O3, O3b and O5 were elicited in rabbits and mice.
  • the Antibodies do cross-react with the natural O-polysaccharides (LPS) of K. pneumoniae serotypes O3, O3b and O5 indicating the potential of these antibodies to bind to K. pneumoniae bacteria and to confer protection against K. pneumoniae infection.
  • the ELISA data further proves that the conjugates of the present invention are immunogenic and induce high antibody titers..
  • ELISA analysis shows that the oligosaccharides of formula (I) of the present invention are immunogenic in rabbits and mice and generate cross reactive antibodies.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I): T*―[(―Ux+4―Ux+3―Ux+2―Ux+1―Ux)m―(Vx+2―Vx+1―Vx)1-m―T―O―L―E that is related to Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 lipopolysaccharide and conjugate thereof. Said synthetic oligosaccharide, said conjugate and pharmaceutical composition containing said synthetic oligosaccharide or said conjugate are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, the synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) is useful as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria.

Description

Vaccine against Klebsiella pneumoniae
Field of the invention The present invention relates to a synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) that is related to Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 lipopolyoligosaccharide specifically the O-antigens and conjugate thereof. Said synthetic oligosaccharide, said conjugate and pharmaceutical composition containing said synthetic oligosaccharide or said conjugate are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, more specifically of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5. Furthermore, the synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) is useful as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. Background of the invention Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium colonizing mostly the respiratory and urinary tracts and causing K. pneumoniae infections (KPIs). KPI is the main cause of nosocomial infections, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. In the last ten years, infections caused by K. pneumoniae are becoming an important challenge in health-care settings due to the emergence of strains resistant to almost all available antimicrobial agents and their worldwide dissemination. Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. Thus, prevention of infections caused by K. pneumoniae is highly desirable, and vaccination of risk groups is the most cost-efficient and the most powerful means. K. pneumoniae bacteria typically express two types of antigens on their cell surfaces. The first, O-antigen, is a component of the lipopolyoligosaccharide (LPS), of which 9 serogroups exist. The second is K antigen, a capsular polysaccharide / oligosaccharide with more than 80 serotypes. The O-antigen is the most variable portion of the LPS and provides serological specificity, which together with the K antigen is used for serotyping. Both antigens are composed of complex polysaccharide / oligosaccharides on the bacterial surface, which are highly immunogenic and nontoxic. In comparison with proteins, carbohydrates are evolutionarily more stable. When covalently connected to a carrier protein, oligosaccharide antigens can elicit long lasting, T-cell-dependent protection vaccines see Chem. & Biol. 2014, 21, 38–50. For a review on automated carbohydrate synthesis and its application in the development of carbohydrate-based vaccines see Carbohydr. Res.2008, 343, 1889–1896. WO 2016/156338 A1 discloses synthetic carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae oligosaccharides and conjugates thereof for the treatment of diseases caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. The article Vaccine 1986, 4, 15 reports on a hexavalent Klebsiella vaccine composed of the capsular polysaccharide derived from K2, K3, K10, K21, K30 and K55 serotypes. The tested vaccine was found to be highly protective against fatal experimental Klebsiella K2 burn wound sepsis, thus indicating that functional antibody is elicited following vaccination. The repeating unit of the O-antigens, i.e. O-polysaccharides of K. pneumoniae was elucidated (The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2002, 277 (28), 25070-25081) (see Figure 1).
The repeating unit of the O-polysaccharide of K. pneumoniae serotype O3 consists of:
→2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1→]m. The repeating unit of the O-polysaccharide of K. pneumoniae serotype O3b consists of:
→2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1→]m.
The repeating unit of the O-polysaccharide of K. pneumoniae serotype O5 consists of:
→3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1→. It is the objective of the present invention to provide a well-defined synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) that is related to Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and O5 lipopolysaccharide and contains a protective immunogenic O-antigen epitope i.e. a O-antigen epitope that elicits antibodies which protect against diseases caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and serotype O5. Said oligosaccharide can be conjugated to an immunogenic carrier to provide a conjugate and pharmaceutical composition thereof that are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and serotype O5. Furthermore, the synthetic oligosaccharide of general formula (I) is useful as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. The objective of the present invention is solved by the teaching of the independent claims. Further advantageous features, aspects and details of the invention are evident from the dependent claims, the description, the figures, and the examples of the present application. Description of the invention Definitions
The term“linker” as used herein encompasses molecular fragments capable of connecting the reducing-end monosaccharide of an oligosaccharide with an immunogenic carrier or a solid support, optionally by binding to at least one interconnecting molecule. Thus, the function of the linker per se or together with the interconnecting molecule is to establish, keep and/or bridge a special distance between the reducing-end monosaccharide and an immunogenic carrier or a solid support. By keeping a certain distance between the oligosaccharide and the immunogenic carrier the shielding of immunogenic oligosaccharide epitopes by the structure of the immunogenic carrier (e.g. secondary structure of a carrier protein) is avoided. In addition, the linker provides greater efficiency of coupling with oligosaccharides by reducing steric hindrance of reactive groups (Methods in Molecular Medicine 2003, 87, 153-174). More specifically, one extremity of the linker is connected to the exocyclic oxygen atom at the anomeric center of the reducing-end monosaccharide and the other extremity is connected via the nitrogen atom with the interconnecting molecule, or directly with the immunogenic carrier or the solid support. Any linker for oligosaccharide conjugates (e.g. polysaccharide and oligosaccharide- carrier protein conjugate, antibody-drug conjugate) known in the art can be used within the present invention. From the large number of publications directed to polysaccharide and oligosaccharide carrier protein conjugates the person skilled in the art can readily envision suitable linkers for the herein disclosed oligosaccharides and conjugates (see "Antimicrobial glycoconjugate vaccines: an overview of classic and modern approaches for protein modification" in Chem Soc Rev. 2018, Advance Article, DOI: 10.1039/C8CS00495A; Acc Chem Res 2017, 50, 1270-1279) since the used linker, i.e. its length and linkage type, does not significantly influence the immunogenicity of a oligosaccharide conjugate (see PLoS ONE 2017, 12(12): e0189100, J. Immun. Meth. 1996, 191, 1-10). Such suitable linkers are harmless (i.e. non-toxic) and non-immunogenic (i.e. do not lead to the formation of nonprotective antibodies on immunization with a conjugate) and include but are not Controlled Release 2013, 172, 382-389, J. Immun. Meth. 1996, 191, 1-10), glutaric acid derivatives (J. Org. Chem. 2005, 70(18), 7123-7132), adipic acid derivatives, squarate derivatives, alkynes, N-hydroxysuccinimides, such as the commercially available MFCO-NHS (monofluoro-substituted cyclooctyne N-hydroxysuccinimide ester), maleimides (as disclosed in Acc Chem Res 2017, 50, 1270-1279), or hydrophilic alkyl phosphinates and sulfonyls (as described in WO2014080251A1). As used herein, the term“interconnecting molecule” refers to a bifunctional molecule containing functional group X and functional group Y, wherein functional group X is capable of reacting with the terminal amino group on the linker L and the functional group Y is capable of reacting with a functionality present on an immunogenic carrier or on a solid support. Figure 3 displays examples of commercially available interconnecting molecules, but does not restrict the interconnecting molecules that can be used according to the present invention to the examples displayed herein. The term“adjuvant” as used herein refers to an immunological adjuvant i.e. a material used in a vaccine composition that modifies or augments the effects of said vaccine by enhancing the immune response to a given antigen contained in the vaccine without being antigenically related to it. For the person skilled in the art, classically recognized examples of adjuvants include:
- mineral-containing compositions, including calcium salts and aluminium salts (or mixtures thereof). Calcium salts include calcium phosphate. Aluminium salts include hydroxides, phosphates, sulfates, etc., with the salts taking any suitable form (e.g. gel, crystalline, amorphous, etc.). Adsorption to these salts is preferred. The mineral containing compositions may also be formulated as a particle of metal salt. The adjuvants known as aluminium hydroxide and aluminium phosphate may be also used. The invention can use any of the "hydroxide" or "phosphate" adjuvants that are in general used as adjuvants. The adjuvants known as "aluminium hydroxide" are typically aluminium oxyhydroxide salts, which are usually at least partially crystalline. The adjuvants known as "aluminium phosphate" are typically aluminium hydroxyphosphates, often also containing a small amount of sulfate (i. e. aluminium hydroxyphosphate sulfate). They may be obtained by precipitation, and the reaction conditions and concentrations during precipitation influence the degree of substitution of phosphate for hydroxyl in the salt. Mixtures of both an aluminium hydroxide and an aluminium phosphate can be employed in the formulation according to the present invention;
- saponins, which are a heterologous group of sterol glycosides and triterpenoid glycosides that are found in the bark, leaves, stems, roots and even flowers of a wide have been widely studied as adjuvants. Saponins can also be commercially obtained from Smilax ornata (sarsaprilla), Gypsophilla paniculata (brides veil), and Saponaria oficianalis (soap root). Saponin adjuvant formulations include purified formulations, such as QS21, as well as lipid formulations, such as ISCOMs. Saponin compositions have been purified using HPLC and RP-HPLC. Specific purified fractions using these techniques have been identified, including QS 7, QS 17, QS 18, QS21, QH-A, QH-B and QH-C. Saponin formulations may also comprise a sterol, such as cholesterol. Combinations of saponins and cholesterols can be used to form unique particles called immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMs). ISCOMs generally include a phospholipid such as phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylcholine. Any known saponin can be used in ISCOMs. Preferably, the ISCOM includes one or more of QuilA, QHA & QHC;
- microparticles (i.e. a particle of 100 nm to 150 pm in diameter, more preferably 200 nm to 30 pm in diameter, or 500 nm to 10 pm in diameter) formed from materials that are biodegradable and non-toxic. Such non-toxic and biodegradable materials include, but are not restricted to poly(α-hydroxy acid), polyhydroxybutyric acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, polycaprolactone;
- CD1d ligands, such as an α-glycosylceramide, phytosphingosine-containing ^- glycosylceramides, OCH, KRN7000 [(2S,3S,4R)-1-O-(α-D-galactopyranosyl)-2-(N- hexacosanoylamino)-1,3,4-octadecanetriol], CRONY- 101, 3"-sulfo-galactosyl- ceramide; 7DW8-5 (Funakoshi Co., Ltd.)
- immunostimulatory oligonucleotides, such CpG motif containing ones (a dinucleotide sequence containing an unmethylated cytosine residue linked by a phosphate bond to a guanosine residue), or CpI motif containing ones (a dinucleotide sequence containing cytosine linked to inosine), or a double-stranded RNA, or an oligonucleotide containing a palindromic sequence, or an oligonucleotide containing a poly(dG) sequence. Immunostimulatory oligonucleotides can include nucleotide modifications/analogs such as phosphorothioate modifications and can be double- stranded or (except for RNA) single-stranded;
- compounds containing lipids linked to a phosphate-containing acyclic backbone, such as the TLR4 antagonist E5564;
- oil emulsions (e.g. Freund’s adjuvant), outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Theoretically, each molecule or substance that is able to favor or amplify a particular situation in the cascade of immunological events, ultimately leading to a more pronounced immunological response, can be defined as an adjuvant.
In principle, through the use of adjuvants in vaccine formulations, one can:
- direct and optimize immune responses that are appropriate or desirable for - enable mucosal delivery of vaccines, i.e. administration that results in contact of the vaccine with a mucosal surface such as buccal or gastric or lung epithelium and the associated lymphoid tissue;
- promote cell-mediated immune responses;
- enhance the immunogenicity of weaker immunogens, such as highly purified or recombinant antigens;
- reduce the amount of antigen or the frequency of immunization required to provide protective immunity; and
- improve the efficacy of vaccines in individuals with reduced or weakened immune responses, such as newborns, the aged, and immunocompromised vaccine recipients.
Although little is known about their mode of action, it is currently believed that adjuvants augment immune responses by one of the following mechanisms:
- increasing the biological or immunologic half-life of antigens;
- improving antigen delivery to antigen-presenting cells (APCs), as well as antigen processing and presentation by the APCs e.g., by enabling antigen to cross endosomal membranes into the cytosol after ingestion of antigen-adjuvant complexes by APC;
- mimicking danger inducing signals from stressed or damaged cells, which serve to initiate an immune response;
- inducing the production of immunomodulatory cytokines;
- biasing the immune response towards a specific subset of the immune system; and - blocking the rapid dispersal of the antigen challenge. Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides are known by the person skilled in the art as TI-2 (T cell independent-2) antigens and poor immunogens, if they are not zwitterionic. Therefore, to produce a poly-,oligosaccharide-based vaccine, said poly- , oligosaccharides are conjugated to an immunogenic carrier to provide a conjugate, which presents an increased immunogenicity in comparison with the poly-or oligosaccharide. In this context the term“immunogenic carrier” is defined as a structure, which is conjugated to the poly-, oligosaccharide to form a conjugate that presents an increased immunity in comparison with the poly-,oligosaccharide per se. Thus, the conjugation of the oligosaccharides to the immunogenic carrier, preferably protein carrier, has an effect of stimulating the immune response against said oligosaccharide, without inducing an immune response against the said immunogenic carrier. Hence, the present invention is directed to an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–T–O–L–E
(I)
wherein
m is an integer selected from 0 and 1;
x is an integer selected from 1 to 2 × m + 3;
n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 ,8, 9 and 10;
Figure imgf000008_0001
–T– represents a bond, –(Ux+4)m–(Vx+2)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2)m– or –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1)m– ;
T*– represents H–, H–(Ux)m–(Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+1–Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– or H–(Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– ;
L represents a linker;
E represents –NH2, –N3, –CN, –O–NH2, –CH=CH2, –C≡CH, –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2R´, –COR´, –CONH–NH2, –SH, or –SAc;
R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
or a diastereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The linker L preferably contains between 2 and 40 carbon atoms (including the carbon atoms of optional side chains), more preferably between 2 and 30, more preferably between 2 and 20, more preferably between 2 and 14, more preferably between 2 and 12, and still more preferably between 2 and 10 carbon atoms. The shortest atom chain between the oxygen atom (i.e. the oxygen of–O–L–E) and the E-group consists preferably of 2 to 14 atoms, more preferably of 2 to 12 atoms, more preferably of 2 to 10 atoms, more preferably of 2 to 8 atoms. In case the shortest chain (which is the shortest possible connection between the oxygen at the anomeric center and the NH2-group) consists of 2 to 6 atoms, these are preferably carbon atoms. In case the shortest chain consists of 4 to 8 atoms, the chain may contain 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S. In case the shortest chain consists of 9 to 14 atoms, the chain may contain 1, 2, 3, or 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S. It is also preferred that the linker–L–, or the shortest chain is fully or partially fluorinated. The linker–L– may contain a 3-membered or a 4-membered or a 5- membered or a 6-membered saturated carbocycle or a 5-membered partly unsaturated (and not aromatic) carbocycle or a 4-membered or a 5-membered or a 6-membered saturated oxygen heterocycle or a 4-membered or a 5-membered or a 6-membered saturated nitrogen heterocycle or a 6-membered aromatic carbocycle. The linker –L– may also contain amide (–NH–CO–, –CO–NH–) and/or urea (–NH–CO–NH–) residues and preferably only one amide or urea residue. The linker may also contain substituents and preferably two substituents such as R10 and R11 or four substituents such as R10, R11 , R15 and R14 , which have the meanings as defined herein and which are preferably selected from: –F, –Cl, –CH3, –C2H5, –C3H7, –C5H9, –C6H13, –OCH3, –OC2H5, –CH2F, –CHF2, –CF3, –C(O)–NH2, –SCH3, –SC2H5, –NHC(O)CH3, –N(CH3)2, and–N(C2H5)2. In case the linker–L– is fluorinated, more than two substituents–F are preferred. Preferably the linker–L– is selected from: –CH2–, –(CH2)2–, –(CH2)3–, –(CH2)4–, –(CH2)5–, –(CH2)6–, –(CH2)7–, –(CH2)8–, –(CH2)9–, –(CH2)10–, –CF2–, –(CF2)2–, –(CF2)3–, –(CF2)4–, –(CF2)5–, –(CF2)6–, –(CF2)7–, –(CF2)8–, –(CF2)9–, –(CF2)10–, –(CH2)2–O–(CH2)2–, –CH2–O–(CH2)3–, –(CH2)3–O–CH2–, –CH2–O–(CH2)2–, –(CH2)2–O–CH2–, –(CH2)3–O–(CH2)2–, –(CH2)2–O–(CH2)3–, –(CH2)4–O–CH2–, –CH2–O–(CH2)4–, –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, –La–Lb–Ld–Lc–Le–, –La–Ld–Le–;
wherein
–La– is selected from: –(CH2)o–, –(CF2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2–, –(CR10R11)o–,
Figure imgf000010_0001
–Lb– and –Lc– are independently of each other selected from: –O–,
Figure imgf000010_0002
Figure imgf000011_0001
–Le– is selected from: –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–, –(CR14R15)p1–, –(CR14R15)p1–O–(CR21R22)p2–,
Figure imgf000011_0002
R9 and R18 are independently of each other selected from: –CH3, –C2H5, –C3H7 and –C(O)CH3; R10, R11 , R12 , R13, R14 , R15, R16, R17 , R19, R20, R21 and R22 are independently of each other selected from: –H, –F, –Cl, –CH3, –C2H5, –C3H7, –C5H9, –C6H13, –OCH3, –OC2H5, –CH2F, –CHF2, –CF3, –C(O)–NH2, –SCH3, –SC2H5, –NHC(O)CH3, –N(CH3)2 and –N(C2H5)2;
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. More preferred,–L– represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–; –La– represents–(CH2)o–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2;
–Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–, –(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4. Most preferred, the oligosaccharide of the formula (I) has the group–O-L-E selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000012_0001
wherein R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
X represents –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2H, or –SAc. Thus, preferred are oligosaccharides of general formula (I) T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–T–O–L–E (I) wherein
m is an integer selected from 0 and 1;
x is an integer selected from 1 to 2 × m + 3;
n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1 and 2;
Figure imgf000012_0002
or
Figure imgf000013_0001
–T– represents a bond, –(Ux+4)m–(Vx+2)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2)m– or –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1)m– ;
T*– represents H–, H–(Ux)m–(Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+1–Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– or H–(Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– ;
L represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
–La– represents–(CH2)o–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2;
–Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–, –(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4.
E represents –NH2, –N3, –CN, –O–NH2, –CH=CH2, –C≡CH, –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2R´, –COR´, –CONH–NH2, –SH, or –SAc;
R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
or a diastereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The anomers of oligosaccharides of the present invention mean the α/β-anomers at C-1-postion to which the group–O-L-E is bounded. It is clear for the skilled person in the art of carbohydrate chemistry that the stereochemistry of the glycosidic bond is defined by the stereochemistry indicated for the anomeric center of the sugar fragments U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9, V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5, in the general formula (I). The oligosaccharides of the present invention can be hygroscopic and thus can build various hydrates thereof. Preferred, molar ratio of water molecule to the oligosaccharide is in the range of 1 to 20, more preferred, 1 to 10, most preferred, 5- 10.
The oligosaccharides of the present invention may bear basic and/or acidic substituents and they may form salts with organic or inorganic acids or bases Examples of suitable acids for such acid addition salt formation are hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, salicylic acid, p-aminosalicylic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, ascorbic acid, maleic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, perchloric acid, nitric acid, formic acid, propionic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, hydroxymaleic acid, pyruvic acid, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, nitrous acid, hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, ethylenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, naphthylsulfonic acid, sulfanilic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, china acid, mandelic acid, o-methylmandelic acid, hydrogen-benzenesulfonic acid, picric acid, adipic acid, d-o- tolyltartaric acid, tartronic acid, (o, m, p)-toluic acid, naphthylamine sulfonic acid, and other mineral or carboxylic acids well known to those skilled in the art. The salts are prepared by contacting the free base form with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce a salt in the conventional manner. Examples of suitable inorganic or organic bases are, for example, NaOH, KOH, NH4OH, tetraalkylammonium hydroxide, lysine or arginine and the like. Salts may be prepared in a conventional manner using methods well known in the art, for example by treatment of a solution of the compound of the general formula (I) with a solution of a base, selected out of the group mentioned above. It is clear for the skilled person in the art of carbohydrate chemistry that the oligosaccharides of general (I) are not containing–O–O– bonds and or sugar fragments
(Ux, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1, Vx+2) connected or bound to each other via their anomeric or C-1 carbons. Surprisingly, it was found that a oligosaccharide of general formula (I) contains an immunogenic protective epitope and is able to induce a protective immune response against K. pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria in a human and/or animal host. The oligosaccharide of general formula (I) elicits antibodies that are cross-reacting with the natural K. pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 O- antigen of the lipopolysaccharide, recognize specifically K. pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria and opsonize them for killing by phagocytes, thus conferring protection against K. pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria. The oligosaccharides of the present invention overcome all the problems associated thereof in terms of purity and easiness of production. It is well known that the isolation and purification of pure oligosaccharides of defined length and structure from the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharides of pathogenic bacteria is a tedious and sometimes not feasible process. Firstly, the production of the O-antigens of lipopolysaccharides requires optimization of the growth conditions. Secondly, depolymerization conditions under which the structural integrity of the constituting monosaccharides is maintained need to be found. Finally, purification conditions enabling the isolation of the pure poly-, oligosaccharide of defined length and structure need to be determined. Besides usual contaminants, such as cellular polysaccharides, nucleic acids, lipids and proteins, also the undesired oligosaccharides obtained through the depolymerization process, must be excluded. Thus, the production of pure oligosaccharides of defined structure and length from bacterial sources is a tedious, almost impossible process. Preferred are synthetic oligosaccharides of general formula (II) T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–O–L–E (II) wherein m, n, x, L, E, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1, Vx+2 and T* have the meanings as defined herein. Preferred are the general formulae (Ia) and (IIa), T*–[(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)]n–T–O–L–E (Ia)
T*–[(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)]n–O–L–E (IIa) wherein
x is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3;
n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1 and 2;
Figure imgf000015_0001
Figure imgf000016_0001
–T– represents a bond, –(Ux+4)m–(Vx+2)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2)m– or –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1)m– ;
T*– represents H–, H–(Ux)m–(Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+1–Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– or H–(Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– ;
L represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
–La– represents–(CH2)o–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2;
–Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–, –(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4.
E represents –NH2, –N3, –CN, –O–NH2, –CH=CH2, –C≡CH, –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2R´, –COR´, –CONH–NH2, –SH, or –SAc;
R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
or a diastereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also preferred are the general formulae (Ib) and (IIb), T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)]n–T–O–L–E (IIb)
T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)]n–O–L–E (IIb) wherein
x is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1 and 2;
Figure imgf000017_0001
–T– represents a bond, –(Ux+4)m–(Vx+2)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2)m– or –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1)m– ;
T*– represents H–, H–(Ux)m–(Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+1–Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– or H–(Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– ;
L represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
–La– represents–(CH2)o–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2;
–Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–, –(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4.
E represents –NH2, –N3, –CN, –O–NH2, –CH=CH2, –C≡CH, –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2R´, –COR´, –CONH–NH2, –SH, or –SAc;
R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
or a diastereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also preferred are oligosaccharides of general formula (Ic) H–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–O–L–E (Ic) wherein
m is an integer selected from 0 and 1;
x is an integer selected from 1 to 2 × m + 3;
n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; still more preferably n is an integer selected from 1 and 2;
Figure imgf000018_0001
L represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–;
–La– represents–(CH2)o–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2;
–Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–, –(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4.
E represents –NH2, –N3, –CN, –O–NH2, –CH=CH2, –C≡CH, –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2R´, –COR´, –CONH–NH2, –SH, or –SAc;
R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, N hydroxysuccinimidyl (3 sulfo N hydroxysuccinimidyl) or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
or a diastereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Thus, a oligosaccharide of general formula (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j) or (II-k) wherein n, L, E and T* have the meanings defined herein is especially preferred.
Figure imgf000019_0001
Figure imgf000020_0001
Figure imgf000021_0001
Also preferred are synthetic oligosaccharides of general formula (III) T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–(Ux+4)m–(Vx+2)1-m–O–L–E
(III)
wherein m, n, x, L, E, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1, Vx+2 and T* have the meanings as defined herein. Thus, an oligosaccharide of general formula (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) and (III-k) wherein n, L, E and T* have the meanings defined herein is especially preferred.
Figure imgf000021_0002
Figure imgf000022_0001
III-e III-f
Figure imgf000023_0001
wherein n, L and E have the meanings as defined herein. Preferably, the integer x represents 1, Therefore, a compound of general formula (I), (II) or (III), wherein x represents 1 is especially preferred. Even more preferred is a compound of general formula (I), (II) or (III), wherein x represents 1 and T* represents H–. A compound of general formula (I), (II) or (III), wherein T* represents H– is also preferred. Preferably, n represents an integer selected from 2 to 10, preferably from 1 to 8, more preferably from 1 to 6, still more preferably from 1 to 4, still more preferably from 1 to 3, still more preferably 1 or 2. Hence, an oligosaccharide of general formula (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III- d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein n represents an integer selected from 2 to 10 is especially preferred. In an alternative embodiment, the integer is preferably 1. Hence, an oligosaccharide of general formula (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III- f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein n represents 1 is also preferred. Preferably the linker–L– represents–La–,–La–Le–,–La–Lb–Le–, or–La–Ld–Le–; –La– represents –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–,–(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4. Therefore, an oligosaccharide of any one of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein
–L– represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le– ;
–La– represents –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–,–(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4 is especially preferred. A oligosaccharide of any one of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein
–L– is selected from: –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, and –La–Ld–Le–;
–La– is selected from: –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– is selected from:–(CH2)q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, and –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– is selected from: –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– and –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–;
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; and n represents 1 is also preferred. Even more preferred is a oligosaccharide of general formula (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein–L– represents–(CH2)o– and o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Also preferred is a oligosaccharide of general (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein–L– represents–(CH2)o–, o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and n represents 1. In a more preferred embodiment,–O-L-E is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000025_0001
Figure imgf000026_0001
. wherein R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
X represents –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2H, or –SAc. Particularly preferred,–O-L-E is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000026_0002
Particularly preferred is a oligosaccharide of general formula (II-a), wherein T* represents–H and–O-L-E is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000026_0003
Particularly preferred is a oligosaccharide of general formula (II-f), wherein T* represents–H and–O-L-E is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000026_0004
Figure imgf000027_0001
Also preferred is a oligosaccharide of general formula (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k), wherein–L– represents–(CH2)o–, o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 E represents an amino group. In yet another preferred embodiment, the oligosaccharide according to the present invention is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000027_0002
Figure imgf000028_0001
Figure imgf000029_0001
Figure imgf000030_0001
Figure imgf000031_0001
Figure imgf000032_0001
Figure imgf000033_0001
(I'd-1) (I'd-2)
Figure imgf000034_0001
Figure imgf000035_0001
Figure imgf000036_0001
Figure imgf000037_0001
(I'e-1) (I'e-2)
Figure imgf000038_0001
Figure imgf000039_0001
O
Figure imgf000040_0001
Figure imgf000041_0001
Chemical synthesis Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–T–O–L–E
(I) wherein
m is 1; x is an integer selected from 1 to 2 × m + 3;
n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 ,8, 9 and 10;
Figure imgf000042_0001
or
Figure imgf000042_0002
–T– represents a bond;
T*– represents H;
L represents a linker;
E represents –NH2, –N3, –CN, –O–NH2, –CH=CH2, –C≡CH, –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2R´, –COR´, –CONH–NH2, –SH, or –SAc;
R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
comprising the following steps: A1) providing a monosaccharide 1
Figure imgf000042_0003
wherein P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; A2) treating monosaccharide 1 with a building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000043_0001
wherein P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; A3) performing removal of protecting group P3; A4) treating the product of step A3) with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000043_0002
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; A5) performing removal of protecting group P6; A6) repeating steps A4) and A5) two times to obtain intermediate compound 4a;
Figure imgf000043_0003
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; A7) optionally repeating steps A2)– A6) in the following order A2)→A3)→A2)→A3)→ A4)→A5)→A6) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5a,
Figure imgf000044_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; A8) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
A further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: B1) providing a monosaccharide 1
Figure imgf000044_0002
wherein P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; B2) treating monosaccharide 1 with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000045_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; B3) performing removal of protecting group P6; B4) repeating steps B2) and B3) two times; B5) treating the product of step B4) with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000045_0002
wherein P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; B6) performing removal of protecting group P3 to obtain intermediate compound 4b;
Figure imgf000045_0003
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; B7) optionally repeating steps B2)– B6) in the following order B5)→B6)→B2)→B3)→ B4)→B5)→B6) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5b
Figure imgf000046_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; B8) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I). A further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: C1) providing a monosaccharide
Figure imgf000046_0002
wherein P1 , P2 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; C2) treating monosaccharide 6 with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000047_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; C3) performing removal of protecting group P6; C4) treating the product of step C3) with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000047_0002
wherein P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; C5) performing removal of protecting group P3; C6) repeating steps C4) and C5); C7) repeating steps C2) and C3) to obtain intermediate compound 4d;
Figure imgf000047_0003
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; C8) optionally repeating steps C2)– C7) in the following order C2)→C3)→C2)→C3)→ C4)→C5)→C6)→C7) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5d
Figure imgf000048_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; C9) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I). A further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: D1) providing a monosaccharide
Figure imgf000048_0002
wherein P1 , P2 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; D2) treating monosaccharide 6 with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000049_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; D3) performing removal of protecting group P6; D4) repeating steps D2) and D3); D5) treating the product of step D4) with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000049_0002
P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; performing removal of protecting group P3; repeating steps D5) and D6) to obtain intermediate compound 4c;
Figure imgf000049_0003
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; D8) optionally repeating steps D2)–D7) in the following order D2)→D3)→D4)→D4)→ D5)→D6)→D7) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5c,
Figure imgf000050_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; D9) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
Another method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: E1) providing a monosaccharide
Figure imgf000050_0002
wherein P1 , P2 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; E2) treating monosaccharide 6 with a building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000051_0001
wherein P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; E3) performing removal of protecting group P3; E4) repeating steps E2) and E3); E5) treating the product of step E4) with building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000051_0002
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; E6) performing removal of protecting group P6; E7) repeating steps E5) and E6) to obtain intermediate compound 4e;
Figure imgf000051_0003
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; E8) optionally repeating steps E2)– E6) in the following order E5)→E6)→E2)→E3)→ E4)→E5)→E6) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5e,
Figure imgf000052_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; E8) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain a oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
Another method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: F1) providing a monosaccharide 7
Figure imgf000052_0002
wherein P7 , P8 and P9 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; F2) treating monosaccharide 7 with a building block 8 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000053_0001
wherein P7– P10 represent protecting groups and LG3 represents a leaving group; F3) performing removal of protecting group P10; F4) treating the product of step F3) with building block 9 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000053_0002
wherein P7 , P8, P11 and P12 represent protecting groups and LG4 represents a leaving group; F5) performing removal of protecting group P11 to obtain intermediate compound 4f;
Figure imgf000053_0003
wherein P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; F6) optionally repeating steps F2)– F5) in the following order F2)→F3)→F2)→F4)→ F5) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5f,
Figure imgf000054_0001
wherein P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; F7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
Another method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: G1) providing a monosaccharide 7
Figure imgf000054_0002
wherein P7 , P8 and P9 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; G2) treating monosaccharide 7 with building block 9 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000054_0003
wherein P7 , P8, P11 and P12 represent protecting groups and LG4 represents a leaving group; G3) performing removal of protecting group P11; G4) treating the product of step G3) with building block 8 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000055_0001
wherein P7– P10 represent protecting groups and LG3 represents a leaving group; G5) performing removal of protecting group P10 to obtain intermediate compound 4g;
Figure imgf000055_0002
wherein P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; G6) optionally repeating steps G2)–G5) in the following order G4)→G5)→G2)→G3)→ G4)→G5) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5g,
Figure imgf000055_0003
wherein P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; G7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
Another method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: H1) providing a monosaccharide 10
Figure imgf000056_0001
wherein P7 , P8 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; H2) treating monosaccharide 10 with building block 8 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000056_0002
wherein P7– P10 represent protecting groups and LG3 represents a leaving group; H3) performing removal of protecting group P10; H4) repeating steps H2) and H3) to obtain intermediate compound 4h;
Figure imgf000056_0003
wherein P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; H5) optionally treating compound 4h with building block 9 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000057_0001
wherein P7 , P8, P11 and P12 represent protecting groups and LG4 represents a leaving group, performing removal of protecting group P11 , and performing steps H2)–H4) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5h
Figure imgf000057_0002
wherein P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; H6) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I). A further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: I1) providing a monosaccharide 1
Figure imgf000057_0003
(1), wherein P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; I2) treating monosaccharide 1 with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000058_0001
wherein P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; I3) performing removal of protecting group P3; I4) treating the product of step I3) with building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000058_0002
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; I5) performing removal of protecting group P6 to obtain intermediate compound 4i;
Figure imgf000058_0003
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; I6) optionally repeating steps I2)– I5) in the following order I2)→I3)→I2)→I3)→I4)→ I5) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5i
Figure imgf000059_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; I7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I). A further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: J1) providing a monosaccharide 1
Figure imgf000059_0002
wherein P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; J2) treating monosaccharide 1 with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000059_0003
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; J3) performing removal of protecting group P6 J4) treating the product of step J3) with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
(2),
wherein P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; J5) performing removal of protecting group P3 to obtain intermediate compound 4j;
Figure imgf000060_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; J6) optionally repeating steps J2)– J5) in the following order J4)→J5)→J2)→J3)→J4) →J5) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5j
Figure imgf000060_0002
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; J7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I). A further method of the synthesis of an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprises the following steps: K1) providing a monosaccharide
Figure imgf000061_0001
wherein P1 , P2 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; K2) treating monosaccharide 6 with building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000061_0002
wherein P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; K3) performing removal of protecting group P3; K4) repeating steps K2) and K3) to obtain intermediate compound 4k;
Figure imgf000061_0003
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined herein; K5) optionally treating compound 4k with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000062_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group, performing removal of protecting group P6 and repeating steps K2)– K4) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5k
Figure imgf000062_0002
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined herein; K7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I). Ep represents a solid support or a protected end group. E represents –NH2, –N3, –CN, –O–NH2, –CH=CH2, –C≡CH, –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2R´, –CONHNH2, –SH, or –SAc; and the corresponding protected end group Ep represents -N(P13)(P14),
Figure imgf000062_0003
P1 , P2 , P3, P4 , P5, P6, P7 , P8, P9, P10, P11 , P12 , P13 and P14 represent protecting groups. The term“protecting group” as used herein refers to commonly used groups in organic synthesis, preferably used for protection hydroxyl groups, and thiols.
More preferably, P1 , P2 , P3, P4 , P5, P6, P7 , P8, P9, P10, P11 and P12 are suitable protecting groups for hydroxyl groups, more preferably different suitable protecting groups for hydroxyl groups capable of being removed subsequently one after another by a suitable sequence of deprotection reactions Preferred protecting groups for hydroxyl groups are acetyl, phenyl, benzyl, isopropylidene, benzylidene, benzoyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-methoxybenzylidene, p-methoxyphenyl, p-bromobenzyledene, p-nitrophenyl, allyl, acetyl, isopropyl, p-bromobenzyl, dimethoxytrityl, trityl, 2-naphthylmethyl, pivaloyl, (2-nitrophenyl)acetyl, triisopropylsilyl, tert- butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, tert-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl, triethylsilyl, trimethylsilyl, 2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, benzyloxymethyl, methyloxymethyl, tert-butyloxymethyl, methoxyethyloxymethyl, levulinoyl. The protecting groups can be differentiated in permanent protecting groups and temporary protecting groups. Permanent protecting groups are protecting groups that are stable during the entire synthesis and that can be efficiently removed at the late stage of the synthesis. In this case, permanent protecting groups include P1 , P2 , P4 P5, P7 , P8, P9, P12 , P13 and P14. P1 , P2 , P4 P5, P7 , P8, P9 and P12 are masking the hydroxyl groups during the entire synthesis, while protecting groups P13 and P14 are masking the terminal amino group present in the end group Ep. Preferably protecting groups P1 , P2 , P5, P7 , P8 and P9 are benzyl groups, protecting group P4 is a benzoyl group, protecting group P12 is a benzyl group, protecting group P13 is a benzyl group and protecting group P14 is a benzyloxycarbonyl group (Cbz). The temporary protecting groups are generally orthogonal protecting groups that can be selectively removed at different levels of the synthesis to free hydroxyl groups for subsequent introduction of different substituents, including monooligosaccharides, other protecting groups or other residues present on the molecule. In this case, temporary protecting groups include P3, P6, P10 and P11. The ingenious choice of protecting groups allows expedient access to a library of oligosaccharides of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k) functionalized with a terminal group for subsequent conjugation to an immunogenic carrier or a solid support. Moreover, the choice of leaving groups affects the stereochemical outcome of the glycosylation reactions in steps A2), A4), B2), B5), C2), C4), D2), D5), E2), E5), F2), F4), H2), H5), J2), J4), I2), I4), K2) and K5). From the prior art it is apparent for a skilled person to choose the protecting group and reaction conditions in order to obtain the desired mannose oligosaccharides of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k) (see J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1, 2000, 1471–1491 Temporary protecting groups P3, P6, P10 and P11 are preferably selected from, but are not restricted to: allyl, p-methoxybenzyl, 2-naphthylmethyl, tri-isopropylsilyl, tert- butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl, triethylsilyl, trimethylsilyl, 2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl and levulinoyl. Preferably, protecting groups P3, P6, P10 and P11 can be selectively removed in presence of protecting groups P1 , P2 , P4 P5, P7 , P8, P9, P12 , P13 and P14. Preferably, P3, P6, P10 and P11 are 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl or levulinoyl, and more preferably P3 and P11 are the same and P6 and P10 are the same. In a preferred embodiment, protecting groups P6 and P10 represent 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl and protecting groups P3 and P11 represent -fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl or levulinoyl. Building blocks 2, 3, 8 and 9 are glycosylating agents. As used herein, the term glycosylating agent refers to a monosaccharide functionalized at the anomeric position with a leaving group that upon activation with a suitable activating agent provide an oxocarbenium intermediate able to react with a nucleophile, such as a hydroxyl group. Hence, glycosylating agents 2, 3, 8 and 9 are functionalized at the anomeric position with leaving groups LG1 , LG2 , LG3 and LG4. Examples of leaving groups suitable for the present synthesis are well known to the person skilled in carbohydrate chemistry and include halides, thioethers, imidates, acetate, sulfoxide, pentenyl, and phosphate. Preferably, leaving groups LG1 , LG2 , LG3 and LG4 are selected from the group of leaving groups consisting of:
,
Figure imgf000064_0001
, , . As mentioned, the provision of an oxocarbenium intermediate relies on the activation of the leaving group installed at the anomeric position of the glycosylating agent with an appropriate or suitable activating agent. It is common knowledge for the skilled person that suitable activating agents for phosphate (i.e. phosphate activating agents) and imidate (i.e. imidate activating agents) are Lewis acids, such as silyl triflate or silver triflate, while suitable activating agents for thioether i.e. thioether activating agents include, but are not restricted to: NIS/TfOH, NIS/TMSOTf, NIS/BF .
3Et2O, NIS/AgOTf, DMTST/Tf2O, IDPC, BSP/Tf2O, Ph2SO/Tf2O. Examples of silyl triflate include, but are not restricted to trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, tert-butyl dimethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, triiospropyl trifluoromethanesulfonate. Preferably, LG1 , LG2 , LG3 and LG4 are thioethers and even more preferred is when LG1 , LG2 , LG3 and LG4 are selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000065_0001
, , . It is preferred that the coupling reaction between oligosaccharides in the steps A2), A4), B2), B5), C2), C4), D2), D5), E2), E5), F2), F4), G2), G4), H2), H5), J2), J4), I2), I4), K2) and K5) is performed by activation with NIS/TfOH or TMSOTf, in a mixture of apolar solvent and polar aprotic solvent at a temperature of between -78°C or -50°C to 0°C or between–10°C and +10°C. Even more preferred is that said reaction is performed in a mixture of apolar solvent and polar aprotic solvent, by treatment with NIS/TfOH at a temperature of about 0 °C Preferred polar aprotic solvents are tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether and dioxane. Preferred apolar solvents are toluene, halogenated solvents such as chloroform and methylene chloride. Preferred mixtures of apolar and polar aprotic solvent are: methylene chloride / tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride / diethyl ether, toluene / diethyl ether, toluene/ tetrahydrofuran. The removal of protecting groups P1 , P2 , P4 P5, P7 , P8, P9, P12 , P13 and P14 performed at steps A8), B8), C9), D9), E8), F7), F4), G7), H8) , I7), J7) and K7) involves:
- first cleavage of the base-labile protecting groups by treatment with a base optionally in presence of hydrogen peroxide in a mixture of solvents. Preferably, the base is NaOMe or LiOH; and
- second cleavage of the protecting groups sensitive to hydrogenation by subjecting the compound to hydrogen in presence of a palladium catalyst in a mixture of solvents. A further aspect according to the present invention refers to an intermediate compound for preparing a oligosaccharide of the general formulae (I), (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), (II-e), (II-f), (II-g), (II-h), (II-i), (II-j), (II-k), (III), (III-a), (III-b), (III-c), (III-d), (III-e), (III-f), (III-g), (III-h), (III-i), (III-j) or (III-k) , wherein the intermediate compound has any one of general formulae (I2a), (I2b), (I2c), (I2d), (I2e), (I2f), (I2g), (I2h), (I3a), (I3b), (I3c), (I3d), (I3e), (I3f), (I3g), (I3h), (I3i), (I3j), (I3k), (I3l), (I3m), (I3n), (I4a), (I4b), (I4c), (I4d), (I4e), (I4f), (I4g), (I4h), (I4i), (I4j), (I5a), (I5b), (I5c), (I5d), (I5e), (I5f), (I5g), (I5h), (I5i) or (I5j):
Figure imgf000066_0001
Figure imgf000067_0001
Figure imgf000068_0001
Figure imgf000069_0001
Figure imgf000070_0001
Figure imgf000071_0001
Figure imgf000072_0001
wherein C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, P1 , P2 , P3, P4 , P5, P6, P7 , P8, P9, P10, P11 and P12 represent protecting groups, and E and L have the same meanings as defined above. In formulae (I2a), (I2b), (I2c), (I2d), (I2e), (I2f), (I2g), (I2h), (I3a), (I3b), (I3c), (I3d), (I3e), (I3f), (I3g), (I3h), (I3i), (I3j), (I3k), (I3l), (I3m), (I3n), (I4a), (I4b), (I4c), (I4d), (I4e), (I4f), (I4g), (I4h), (I4i), (I4j), (I5a), (I5b), (I5c), (I5d), (I5e), (I5f), (I5g), (I5h), (I5i) or (I5j), preferably the linker–L– represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–; –La– represents –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–,–(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4. An especially preferred intermediate is an intermediate of formula (I2a), (I2b), (I2c), (I2d), (I2e), (I2f), (I2g), (I2h), (I3a), (I3b), (I3c), (I3d), (I3e), (I3f), (I3g), (I3h), (I3i), (I3j), (I3k), (I3l), (I3m), (I3n), (I4a), (I4b), (I4c), (I4d), (I4e), (I4f), (I4g), (I4h), (I4i), (I4j), (I5a), (I5b), (I5c), (I5d), (I5e), (I5f), (I5g), (I5h), (I5i) or (I5j), wherein–L– represents –(CH2)o– and o is an integer selected from 2, 5 and 6. P1 , P2 , P3, P4 , P5, P6, P7 , P8, P9, P10, P11 and P12 are suitable protecting groups for hydroxyl groups, more preferably different suitable protecting groups for hydroxyl groups capable of being removed subsequently one after another by a suitable sequence of deprotection reactions. Preferred protecting groups for hydroxyl groups are acetyl, phenyl, benzyl, isopropylidene, benzylidene, benzoyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-methoxybenzylidene, p-methoxyphenyl, p-bromobenzyledene, p-nitrophenyl, allyl, acetyl, isopropyl, p-bromobenzyl, dimethoxytrityl, trityl, 2-naphthylmethyl, pivaloyl, (2- nitrophenyl)acetyl, triisopropylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, tert-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl, triethylsilyl, trimethylsilyl, 2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, benzyloxymethyl, methyloxymethyl, tert-butyloxymethyl, methoxyethyloxymethyl, levulinoyl. Thus, intermediates (I2a), (I2b), (I2c), (I2d), (I2e), (I2f), (I2g), (I2h), (I3a), (I3b), (I3c), (I3d), (I3e), (I3f), (I3g), (I3h), (I3i), (I3j), (I3k), (I3l), (I3m), (I3n), (I4a), (I4b), (I4c), (I4d), (I4e), (I4f), (I4g), (I4h), (I4i), (I4j), (I5a), (I5b), (I5c), (I5d), (I5e), (I5f), (I5g), (I5h), (I5i) or (I5j), are especially preferred when protecting groups P1 , P2 , P5, P7 , P8 and P9 are benzyl groups, protecting group, P3, P6, P10 and P11 are 9- fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl or levulinoyl groups, P4 and P12 are benzoyl groups, protecting group P13 is a benzyl group and protecting group P14 is a benzyloxycarbonyl group (Cbz).
Glycoconjugates Another aspect of the present invention refers to a conjugate comprising an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) covalently bound or covalently linked to an immunogenic carrier through the terminal group E of the–O–L–E group. In other words, another aspect of the present invention is directed to an oligosaccharide of any of the general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) conjugated with an immunogenic carrier through the terminal group E of the–O–L–E group. A conjugate comprising a synthetic oligosaccharide of the general formula (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k), covalently bound or covalently linked to an immunogenic carrier through the terminal group E of the–O–L–E group is also defined as a conjugate obtained by reacting an oligosaccharide of any of the general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II- k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) with an immunogenic carrier. Surprisingly, said conjugate proved to be efficient as a vaccine for immunization against diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria. Oligosaccharides are known by the person skilled in the art as generally TI-2 (T cell independent-2) antigens and poor immunogens. TI-2 antigens are antigens, which are recognized only by mature B cells through the cross linking of surface exposed immunoglobulin receptors. Without T cell help, no immunological memory is generated and neither isotype switching from IgM to other IgG subclasses, nor B cells affinity maturation occurs. Moreover, oligosaccharides are known poor immunogens in humans due to the structural homology to human glycolipids and glycoproteins. Due to their poor immunogenic properties, oligosaccharides manifest poor ability to produce both antibody production by B cells, as well as the formation of memory cells, features which are essential for the production of potent vaccines. Therefore, to produce a potent oligosaccharide-based vaccine, the oligosaccharides of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) are conjugated to an immunogenic carrier to provide conjugates, which present increased immunogenicity in comparison with the oligosaccharide. Hence, under the scope of the present application is covered also a conjugate comprising a oligosaccharide fragment T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–T–O– wherein m, n, x, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1, Vx+2, T and T* have the meanings defined herein, covalently linked through the O atom to an immunogenic carrier. Said conjugate comprises at least one synthetic oligosaccharide of the general formula (I) and an immunogenic carrier to which the at least one oligosaccharide (I) is covalently bound. Surprisingly it was found that immunization with a conjugate comprising a oligosaccharide of general formula (I) covalently linked to an immunogenic carrier results in the production of high titers of antibodies specific to the carbohydrate part of the oligosaccharide of general formula (I). Said antibodies are cross-reacting with the natural Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 lipopolyoligosaccharides and present opsonophagocytosis and bactericidal activity, thus conferring protection against Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria. In this context the term“immunogenic carrier” is defined as a structure, which is conjugated to the oligosaccharide to form a conjugate that presents an increased of the oligosaccharides of the general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) to the immunogenic carrier has as effect the stimulation of the immune response against the oligosaccharide of general formula (I) without inducing an immune response against said immunogenic carrier. Preferred immunogenic carriers are carrier proteins or glycosphingolipids with immunomodulatory properties. For the person skilled in the art, a carrier protein is a protein selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a diphtheria toxoid, a mutated diphtheria toxoid, a modified diphtheria toxoid, a mutated and modified diphtheria toxoid, a tetanus toxoid, a modified tetanus toxoid, a mutated tetanus toxoid, non-lipidated cell-surface liporotein (protein D) of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, outer membrane protein (OMP) complex of Neisseria meningitidis, bovine serum albumin (BSA), keyhole limpet hemocyanine (KLH), recombinant non-toxic form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (rEPA) or cholera toxoid (CT). The term“toxoid” as used herein refers to a bacterial toxin (usually an exotoxin), whose toxicity has been inactivated or suppressed either by chemical (formalin) or heat treatment, while other properties, typically immunogenicity, are maintained. A mutated toxoid as used herein is a recombinant bacterial toxin, which has been amended to be less toxic or even non-toxic by amending the wild-type amino acid sequence. Such a mutation could be a substitution of one or more amino acids. Such a mutated toxoid presents on its surface a functionality that can react with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide a modified toxoid. Said functionality is known to the person skilled in the art and includes, but is not restricted to the primary amino functionality of a lysine residue that can react with activated esters, an isocyanate group or an aldehyde in presence of a reducing agent, to the carboxylate functionality of a glutamate or aspartate residue that can be activated by carbodiimides or to the thiol functionality of a cysteine residue. Activated esters include N-(γ-maleimidobutyryloxy) sulfosuccinimide ester (sulfo- GMBS), succinimidyl (4-iodoacetyl) aminobenzoate (sulfo-SIAB), succinimidyl-3- (bromoacetamido)propionate (SBAP), disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG), disuccinimidyl adipate (DSA), 2-pyridyldithiol-tetraoxatetradecane-N-hydroxysuccinimide (PEG-4- SPDP) (see Figure 2). The cysteine residue on the carrier protein can be converted to the corresponding dehydroalanine that can be further reacted with a suitable interconnecting molecule to provide modified carrier protein having on their surface the functional group X of the interconnecting molecule. It is especially preferred that the oligosaccharides of general formula I are conjugated to the non-toxic mutated diphtheria toxin CRM197 presenting as a functionality a primary amine functionality of a lysine residue. CRM197 like wild-type diphtheria toxin is a single polypeptide chain of 535 amino acids (58 kD) consisting of two subunits linked by disulfide bridges having a single amino acid substitution of glutamic acid for glycine. It is utilized as a carrier protein in a number of approved conjugate vaccines for diseases such as Prevnar. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the carrier protein presents on its surface primary amino functionalities of lysine residues that are able to react with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide modified carrier protein having on their surface said functional group X of the interconnecting molecule, which is able to react with the terminal amino group of the linker of the compounds of general formula (I). Said functional group X of the interconnecting molecules is selected of the group comprising or consisting of maleimide; α-iodoacetyl; α-bromoacetyl; and N-hydroxy- succinimide ester (NHS), aldehyde, imidoester, carboxylic acid, alkyl sulfonate, sulfonyl chloride, epoxide, anhydride, carbonate (see Figure 3). Preferably, the oligosaccharide of general formula I is conjugated to the non-toxic mutated diphtheria toxin CRM197, which is modified by maleimide. In yet another preferred embodiment, the oligosaccharide of general formula I is conjugated to the non-toxic mutated diphtheria toxin CRM197, which is modified by α-bromoacetamide. In the most preferred embodiment, the oligosaccharide of general formula I is conjugated to the non-toxic mutated diphtheria toxin CRM197, which is modified by N- hydroxysuccinimide adipate. Preferred is a conjugate of general formula (IV) [T*–((–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m)n–T–O–L–E1–W]c–CP
(IV) wherein
c is comprised between 2 and 18;
–E1– represents a covalent bond, –NH–, –O–NH–, –O–, –S–, –CO–, –CH=CH–, –CONH–, –CO–NHNH–,
Figure imgf000077_0003
a represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10,
b represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3 and 4,
CP is a carrier protein; and
m, n, x, L, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1, Vx+2, T and T* have the meanings as defined herein. Preferably E1 is a covalent bond, –NH–, –CH=CH–, –CONH–, or
Figure imgf000077_0004
Figure imgf000077_0001
.
Preferably CP is CRM197. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention the conjugate is of general formula (IV), wherein CP is CRM197 and c,–E1–, W, m, n, x, L, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1, Vx+2, T and T* have the meanings as defined herein. Preferably, in general formula (IV) the linker–L– is selected from: –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, and –La–Ld–Le–;
–La– is selected from: –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– is selected from:–(CH2)q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, and –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– is selected from: –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– and –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–;
and o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4. Also a conjugate of general formula (IV), wherein–W– represents , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 is preferred.
Figure imgf000077_0002
A conjugate of general formula (IV), wherein
the linker–L– is selected from: –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, and –La–Ld–Le–; –La– is selected from: –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– is selected from:–(CH2)q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, and –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– is selected from: –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– and –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–;
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 –W– represents
Figure imgf000078_0001
and 6 is especially preferred. Even more preferred is a conjugate of general formula (IV), wherein
x represents 1,
V*– represents H–,
the linker–L– is selected from: –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, and –La–Ld–Le–; –La– is selected from: –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– is selected from:–(CH2)q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, and –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– is selected from: –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– and –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–;
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 –W– represents
Figure imgf000078_0002
and 6. Particularly preferred is a conjugate of general formula (IV), wherein the linker–L– represents–(CH2)o– ,
o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6; , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 –W– represents
Figure imgf000078_0003
and 6. Also preferred is a conjugate of general formula (IV), wherein x represents 1,
V*– represents H–,
the linker–L– represents–(CH2)o– ,
o is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6; , and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 –W– represents
Figure imgf000079_0001
and 6. Preferably c is comprised between 2 and 18, more preferably between 5 and 15, even more preferably between 8 and 12. It is also preferred that n represents 1.
Preferred is also a conjugate of general formula (V) [H–((–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m)n–O–L–E1–W]c–CRM197 (V) wherein
c is comprised between 2 and 18;
–E1– represents a covalent bond, –NH–, –O–NH–, –O–, –S–, –CO–,
Figure imgf000079_0002
a represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10,
b represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3 and 4; and
m, n, x, L, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1 and Vx+2 have the meanings as defined herein. In another embodiment, said immunogenic carrier is preferably a glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties, and more preferably (2S,3S,4R)-1-(α-D- galactopyranosyl)-2-hexacosanoylaminooctadecane-3,4-diol. The term glyco- sphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties, as used herein, refers to a suitable glycosphingolipid capable of stimulating the immune system's response to a target antigen, but which does not in itself confer immunity as defined above. Glycosphingolipids as used herein are compounds containing a carbohydrate moiety α–linked to a sphingolipid. Preferably, the carbohydrate moiety is a hexopyranose and most preferably is α-D-galactopyranose. For the person skilled in the art, sphingolipids are a class of lipids containing a C18 amino alcohol connected via an amide bond to a fatty acid. The C18 amino alcohol is preferably mono-, di- or polysubstituted with hydroxyl groups. Especially preferred, the C18 amino alcohol is phytosphingosine. The fatty acid is preferably a monocarboxylic acid having a saturated alkyl chain of a number of carbons ranging from 16 to 28 and more preferably from 18 to 26. Glycosphingolipids with immunomodulatory properties include, but they are not restricted to (2S,3S,4R)-1-(α-D-galactopyranosyl)-2- hexacosanoylaminooctadecane-3,4-diol, which can stimulate natural killer (NK) activity and cytokine production by natural killer T (NKT) cells and exhibits potent antitumor activity in vivo (Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 1998, 95, 5690). The conjugates of the oligosaccharides of general formula I with a glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties have the advantage of being heat stable. To be suitable for conjugation, on the glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties a functionality is introduced. Said functionality is prone to react directly with the terminal amino group of the linker of the oligosaccharides of general formula I to provide conjugates of the oligosaccharides of general formula I, or with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide the modified glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties. Preferably, said functionality is introduced at the C6 of the carbohydrate moiety of the glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties. Thus, the glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties is functionalized with a functionality, which is prone of reacting with the terminal amino group of the oligosaccharides or with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule. A functionality prone to react with an amino group includes, but it is not restricted to activated ester, isocyanate group, aldehyde, epoxide, imidoester, carboxylic acid, alkyl sulfonate and sulfonyl chloride. molecule so that to provide the modified glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties presenting the functional group X of the interconnecting molecule includes, but it is not restricted to amine, alcohol, thiol, activated ester, isocyanate group, aldehyde, epoxide, vinyl, imidoester, carboxylic acid, alkyl sulfonate, sulfonyl chloride, vinyl group, alkynyl group and azido group. Preferably, the functionality introduced at the C6 of the carbohydrate moiety of the glycosphingolipid with immunomodulatory properties is selected from the group comprising or containing an amine, a thiol, an alcohol, a carboxylic acid, a vinyl, maleimide, α-iodoacetyl, α-bromoacetyl, N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHS), 2-pyridyldithiols. Said functional group X of the interconnecting molecules is selected of the group comprising or consisting of maleimide, α-iodoacetyl, α-bromoacetyl, N-hydroxy- succinimide ester (NHS), aldehyde, carboxylic acid, epoxide, alkyl sulfonate, sulfonyl chloride, anhydride, carbonate. As used herein, the term“interconnecting molecule” refers to a bifunctional molecule containing functional group X and functional group Y, wherein functional group X is capable of reacting with the terminal amino group on the linker–L– and the functional group Y is capable of reacting with a functionality present on the immunogenic carrier or on the solid support.
Vaccines containing at least one conjugate of the present invention cause fewer side effects and/or non-protective immune responses in comparison to vaccines containing isolated (and not synthesized) mixtures of oligosaccharides obtained by non-selective cleavage of the capsular poly-,oligosaccharide of Klebsiella pneumoniae or conjugates thereof. Moreover the inventive vaccines can be easier manufactured in accordance with the GMP regulations than the vaccines containing isolated mixtures of non- selectively cleaved capsular poly-,oligosaccharides and are easier characterized, which makes stability and purity control easier as well as detection of kind and amount of impurities. More preferred is a conjugate of any one of the formulae (V-1)– (V-11):
Figure imgf000082_0001
Figure imgf000083_0001
Figure imgf000084_0001
Figure imgf000085_0001
Figure imgf000086_0003
wherein L, E1, W, c, and n have the same meanings as defined above. More preferred is a conjugate of any one of the formulae (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11), wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10.
More preferred the conjugate of any one of the formulae (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11), wherein c is selected from 4 to 10. Preferably–W– represents and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Figure imgf000086_0001
Thus, a conjugate of general formula (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11), wherein–W– represents and a is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 is especially
Figure imgf000086_0002
preferred. Preferably, the linker–L– represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le–; –La– represents –(CH2)o–, –(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–;
–Ld– represents –(CH2)q–,–(CH(OH))q–, –(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; preferably an integer selected from 1 2 3 and 4 In the most preferred embodiment, E1 is a covalent bond, –NH–, –CH=CH–,
Figure imgf000087_0001
. It was found that a conjugate comprising a oligosaccharide of any one of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k), and particularly a conjugate of any one of general formulae (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11), elicits a protective immune response in a human and/or animal host, and therefore is useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 bacteria. Thus, the conjugates comprising the oligosaccharides of general formula (I) conjugated to an immunogenic carrier are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria containing in their lipopolysaccharide one of the following oligosaccharide fragments: -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-. Preferably, the bacterium containing in the lipopolysaccharide one of the above mentioned oligosaccharide fragments is Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5.
In a preferred embodiment, the conjugates comprising the oligosaccharides of general formula I conjugated to an immunogenic carrier are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with bacteria, and particularly with diseases associated with bacteria containing in their O-polysaccharide one of the following oligosaccharide fragments: -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D- Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-; -3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man- (1 3) M (1 3) M (1 3) M (1 2) M (1 2) M (1 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α- D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D- Man-(1-; -3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D- Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D- Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-; -3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D- Man-(1-; -3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-, and preferably with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5, wherein said diseases include pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, urinary tract infection, wound infection, osteomyelitis, bacteremia, septicemia and ankylosing spondylitis. Pharmaceutical compositions
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition or a vaccine comprising at least one conjugate that comprises an oligosaccharide of general formula (I) conjugated to an immunogenic carrier and/or at least one oligosaccharide of general formula (I) together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant and/or excipient. Said pharmaceutical composition can be used for raising a protective immune response in a human and/or animal host. Ideally, the pharmaceutical composition is suitable for use in humans. In another aspect of the present invention, said pharmaceutical composition or vaccine further comprises at least one of capsular polysaccharides, O- polysaccharides and/or capsular polysaccharides, O-polysaccharide fragments and/or protein conjugates thereof of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria selected from the group comprising or consisting of Klebsiella pneumoniae serotypes O1, O2 (O2a, O2ac,…), O4, O7, O8, O12 and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 Galactan-III. The term“adjuvant” as used herein refers to an immunological adjuvant i.e. a material used in a vaccine composition that modifies or augments the effects of said vaccine by enhancing the immune response to a given antigen contained in the vaccine without being antigenically related to it. For the persons skilled in the art, classically recognized examples of immunological adjuvants include, but are not restricted to oil emulsions (e.g. Freund's adjuvant), saponins, aluminum or calcium salts (e.g. alum), non-ionic block polymer surfactants, and many others. Pharmaceutical compositions are preferably in aqueous form, particularly at the point of administration, but they can also be presented in non-aqueous liquid forms or in dried forms e g as gelatin capsules or as lyophilisates etc Pharmaceutical compositions may include one or more preservatives, such as thiomersal or 2-phenoxyethanol. Mercury-free compositions are preferred, and preservative-free vaccines can be prepared. Pharmaceutical compositions may include a physiological salt, such as a sodium salt e.g. to control tonicity. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is typical and may be present at between 1 and 20 mg/ml. Other salts that may be present include potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate dehydrate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.. Pharmaceutical compositions can have an osmolality of between 200 mOsm/kg and 400 mOsm/kg. Pharmaceutical compositions may include compounds (with or without an insoluble metal salt) in plain water (e.g. w.f.i.), but will usually include one or more buffers. Typical buffers include: a phosphate buffer; a Tris buffer; a borate buffer; a succinate buffer; a histidine buffer (particularly with an aluminium hydroxide adjuvant); or a citrate buffer. Buffer salts will typically be included in the 5-20 mM range. Pharmaceutical compositions typically have a pH between 5.0 and 9.5 e.g. between 6.0 and 8.0. Pharmaceutical compositions are preferably sterile and gluten free. Pharmaceutical compositions are suitable for administration to animal (and, in particular, human) patients, and thus include both human and veterinary uses. They may be used in a method of raising an immune response in a patient, comprising the step of administering the composition to the patient. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered before a subject is exposed to a Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 and/or after a subject is exposed to a Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5. In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention is directed to the use of at least one conjugate that comprises at least one oligosaccharide of general formula (I) conjugated to an immunogenic carrier and/or at least one oligosaccharide vaccine for prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b or O5 bacteria, particularly, diseases associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b or O5 bacteria is selected from the group comprising or consisting of pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, urinary tract infection, wound infection, osteomyelitis, bacteremia, septicemia and ankylosing spondylitis. Preferred, the present invention refers to the use of at least one oligosaccharide of any one of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) and/or at least one of the conjugates comprising at least one oligosaccharide of any one of general formulae (I), (II), (II-a)–(II-k), (III), (III-a)–(III-j) or (III-k) for the manufacture of said pharmaceutical composition or said vaccine.
More preferred, the present invention refers to the use of at least one of the oligosaccharides I'a-1– I'a-11, I'a-1– I'b-11, I'b-1– I'c-11, I'c-1– I'c-11, I'd-1– I'd- 11, I'e-1– I'e-11 and I'f-1– I'f-11 and/or at least one of the conjugates comprising at least one of the oligosaccharides I'a-1– I'a-11, I'a-1– I'b-11, I'b-1– I'c-11, I'c-1– I'c-11, I'd-1– I'd-11, I'e-1– I'e-11 and I'f-1– I'f-11 for the manufacture of said pharmaceutical composition or said vaccine. Particularly, the present invention refers to the use of at least one conjugate of any one of general formulae (IV), (V) and (V-1)– (V-11) for the manufacture of said pharmaceutical composition or said vaccine. Pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared in unit dose form. Preferably, the dose of the inventive conjugate is between 0.1 and 10 µg, preferably 1 and 10 µg, preferably 0.2 and 9 µg, more preferably 0.5 and 9 µg, preferably 1 and 6 µg, and most preferably 1 and 5 µg. In some embodiments a unit dose may have a volume of between 0.1-1.0 mL e.g. about 0.5 mL. The invention also provides a delivery device (e.g. syringe, nebuliser, sprayer, inhaler, dermal patch, etc.) containing a pharmaceutical composition of the invention e.g. containing a unit dose. This device can be used to administer the composition to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides a sterile container (e.g. a vial) containing a pharmaceutical composition of the invention e.g. containing a unit dose. The invention also provides a unit dose of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention. The invention also provides a hermetically sealed container containing a pharmaceutical composition of the invention. Suitable containers include e.g. a vial. Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be prepared in various forms. For example, the compositions may be prepared as injectables, either as liquid solutions or suspensions. Solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in, liquid vehicles prior to injection can also be prepared (e.g. a lyophilised composition or a spray- freeze dried composition). The composition may be prepared for topical administration e.g. as an ointment, cream or powder. The composition may be prepared for oral administration e.g. as a tablet or capsule, as a spray, or as a syrup (optionally flavoured). The composition may be prepared for pulmonary administration e.g. by an inhaler, using a fine powder or a spray. The composition may be prepared as a suppository. The composition may be prepared for nasal, aural or ocular administration e.g. as a spray or drops. Injectables for intramuscular administration are typical. The pharmaceutical compositions may comprise an effective amount of an adjuvant i.e. an amount which, when administered to an individual, either in a single dose or as part of a series, is effective for enhancing the immune response to a co- administered Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 antigen. This amount can vary depending upon the health and physical condition of the individual to be treated, age, the taxonomic group of individual to be treated (e.g. non-human primate, primate, etc.), the capacity of the individual's immune system to synthesize antibodies, the degree of protection desired, the formulation of the vaccine, the treating doctor's assessment of the medical situation, and other relevant factors. The amount will fall in a relatively broad range that can be determined through routine trials. Techniques for the formulation and administration of the vaccine of the present invention may be found in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences" Mack Publishing Co., Easton PA. A therapeutically effective dosage of one conjugate according to the present invention or of one oligosaccharide of general formula (I) refers to that amount of the compound that results in an at least a partial immunization against a disease. Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined by standard pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and toxicological procedures in cell cultures or therapeutic index. The actual amount of the composition administered will be dependent on the subject being treated, on the subject's weight, the severity of the affliction, the manner of administration and the judgment of the prescribing physician. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of inducing immune response against Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5 in a human and/or animal host, said method comprising administering of the oligosaccharide of general formula (I) and/or salt thereof and/or a conjugate thereof or pharmaceutical composition thereof to said human and/or animal host. A method of treating or preventing diseases caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5, in a human and/or animal host according to the present invention comprises administering of at least one oligosaccharide of general formula (I) and/or salt thereof and/or a conjugate thereof or pharmaceutical composition thereof to said human and/or animal host.
Immunological assays
Yet another aspect of the present invention refers to oligosaccharide of general formula (I) for use as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against bacteria containing in their O-poly-,oligosaccharide one of the following oligosaccharide fragments:
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-. Such assays comprise, for instance, microarray and ELISA useful for detection of antibodies against bacteria containing in their O poly oligosaccharide one of the above mentioned oligosaccharide fragments, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5.
The O-antigens of K. pneumoniae O3, O3b and O5 are shared respectively by E. coli O9, and O8. The O5-antigen is shared by Burkholderia ceparcia O2 and E, and Serratia marcescens O28. Therefore, O-poly-,oligosaccharide one of the above mentioned oligosaccharide fragments can be used for detection of antibodies against E. coli O8, and O9. Burkholderia ceparcia O2 and E and Serratia marcescens O28. The oligosaccharides of the present invention can be easily conjugated to solid supports for providing immunological assays useful for detection of antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and/or O5. Said solid supports present on their surface a functionality that is prone to react with the amino group of oligosaccharides of general formula (I) or with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide modified solid supports, presenting on their surface the functional group X of the interconnecting molecule that can further react with the amino group of oligosaccharides of general formula (I). In an embodiment according to the present invention the solid supports are microarray slides, which present on their surface a functionality that is prone to react with the functional group Y of the interconnecting molecule to provide modified microarray slides, presenting of their surface the functional group X of the interconnecting molecule. Examples of such microarray slides include, but are not restricted to Corning® epoxide coated slides or Corning® GAPS™ II coated slides. In a preferred embodiment the solid supports are microarray slides presenting on their surface a functionality that is prone to react with the amino group of oligosaccharides of general formula (I), and more preferably an N- hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activated ester. Such microarray slides are for example CodeLink® NHS slides.
Description of the figures Figure 1 shows the chemical structure of the repeating unit of Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O3, O3b and O5 LPS O-polysaccharide. Figure 2 provides examples of functional group X of the interconnecting molecule according to the present invention. Figure 3 provides examples of functional group X of the interconnecting molecule according to the present invention. Figure 4 (A) shows a CRM197 conjugate of the present invention; (B) structure of 21*-CRM197; and (C) 69*-CRM197. Figure 5 (A) shows SDS-PAGE of glycoconjugates (2.5 µg/well) 21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197 used in immunization experiments resolved using a 10 % polyacrylamide gel; (B) SEC Chromatograms of KPC glycoconjugates 21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197. Figure 6 shows ELISA titers of Day-0 and Day-35 pooled sera from mice (n=6) immunized with 21*-CRM197 or 69*-CRM197 formulation. Sera of 21*-CRM197 and 69*- CRM197 formulations were tested against corresponding O-antigen BSA conjugates 21*-BSA and 69*-BSA. In both cases, sera were diluted 1:100, 1000 and 10,000 with 1% BSA-PBS. Diluted sera (100 μL) were added per well of the microtiter plate which was coated with 0.5 μg of the corresponding BSA conjugate. Detection was done using a HRP conjugated goat anti-mouse secondary antibody diluted to 1:10000 and developed using the TMB substrate. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm and the data were plotted using the GraphPad prism software. Figure 7 shows cross-reactivity of Day-0 and Day-35 pooled sera from mice (n=6) immunized with 69*-CRM197 formulation. Sera of 69*-CRM197 formulation were tested against LPS isolated from the corresponding strain, i.e. LPS (O5). The sera were diluted 1:200 with 1% BSA-PBS. Diluted sera (100 μL) was added per well of the microtiter plate which was coated with 1.0 μg of the corresponding LPS. Detection was done using a HRP conjugated goat anti-mouse secondary antibody diluted to 1:10000 and developed using the TMB substrate. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm and the data were plotted using the GraphPad prism software. Figure 8 shows ELISA titers of Day-0 Day-7, Day-21, and Day-35 pooled sera from rabbits (n=4) immunized with 69*-CRM197 formulation. Sera of 69*-CRM197 formulation were tested against corresponding O-antigen BSA conjugate 69*-BSA. The sera were diluted 1:1000 and 10,000 with 1% BSA-PBS. Diluted sera (100 μL) was added per well of the microtiter plate which was coated with 0.5 μg of the corresponding 69*-BSA. Detection was done using a HRP conjugated goat anti- rabbit secondary antibody diluted to 1:10000 and developed using the TMB substrate. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm and the data were plotted using the GraphPad prism software. Figure 9 shows cross-reactivity of Day-0 and Day-35 pooled sera from rabbit (n=4) immunized with 69*-CRM197 formulation. Sera of 69*-CRM197 formulation was tested against LPS isolated from different KPC strains #1-#4. In both cases, the sera was tested against the LPS (O1), Commercial-LPS (O2 a,c), LPS (O 2a), LPS (O5) and LPS (Gal III). Sera were diluted 1:200 with 1% BSA-PBS and 100 μL of the diluted sera was added per well of the microtiter plate which was coated with 1.0 μg of the corresponding LPS. Detection was done using a HRP conjugated goat anti-rabbit secondary antibody diluted to 1:10000 and developed using the TMB substrate. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm and the data were plotted using the GraphPad prism software. Examples A. Chemical synthesis General information:
Commercial grade solvents were used unless stated otherwise. Dry solvents were obtained from a Waters Dry Solvent System. Solvents for chromatography were distilled prior to use. Sensitive reactions were carried out in heat-dried glassware and under an argon atmosphere. Analytical thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on Kieselgel 60 F254 glass plates precoated with a 0.25 mm thickness of silica gel. Spots were visualized by staining with vanillin solution (6% (w/v) vanillin and 10% (v/v) sulfuric acid in 95% EtOH) or Hanessian’s stain (5% (w/v) ammonium molybdate, 1% (w/v) cerium(II) sulfate and 10% (v/v) sulfuric acid in water). Silica column chromatography was performed on Fluka Kieselgel 60 (230-400 mesh).
1H, 13C and two-dimensional NMR spectra were measured with a Varian 400-MR spectrometer at 296 K. Chemical shifts (d) are reported in parts per million (ppm) relative to the respective residual solvent peaks (CDCl3: d 7.26 in 1H and 77.16 in 13C NMR; CD3OD: d 3.31 in 1H and 49.15 in 13C NMR). The following abbreviations are used to indicate peak multiplicities: s singlet; d doublet; dd doublet of doublets; t triplet; dt doublet of triplets; q quartet; m multiplet. Coupling constants (J) are reported in Hertz (Hz). Optical rotation (OR) measurements were carried out with a Schmidt & Haensch UniPol L1000 polarimeter at λ = 589 nm and a concentration (c) expressed in g/100 mL in the solvent noted in parentheses. High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was performed at the Free University Berlin, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, with an Agilent 6210 ESI-TOF mass spectrometer. Infrared (IR) spectra were measured with a Perkin Elmer 100 FTIR spectrometer at applicant’s facility Abbreviations
AcOH Acetic acid
Alloc Allyloxycarbonyl
aq. aqueous
BH3 borane
BBr3 boron tribromide
Boc tert-Butoxycarbonyl
br. broad
CAS CAS Registry Number (CAS = Chemical Abstracts Service) CHCl3 chloroform
cHex cyclohexane
d doublet
dd doublet of doublets
DCM dichloromethane
DEAD diethyl azodicarboxylate
DIPEA N,N-diisopropyl-ethylamine
DME dimethoxyethane
DMF dimethylformamide
DMSO dimethylsulfoxide
DPPA diphenylphosphoryl azide
EDC•HCl N1-((ethylimino)methylene)-N3,N3-dimethylpropane-1,3- diamine hydrochloride
ES electrospray
Et2O diethyl ether
EtOAc ethyl acetate
h hour
HCl hydrochloric acid
H2O water
HOBt.H2O 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-ol hydrate
K2CO3 potassium carbonate
m multiplet
MeCN acetonitrile
MeOH methanol
MeI methyl iodide
MgSO4 magnesium sulphate
min minutes
MS mass spectrometry NaCNBH3 sodium cyanoborohydride
NaHCO3 sodium hydrogencarbonate
NaH sodium hydride
NaOH sodium hydroxide
Na2SO4 sodium sulphate
NCS N-chlorosuccinimide
NIS N-iodosuccinimide
NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
PBS phosphate-buffered saline
Pd/C palladium on carbon
PPh3 triphenylphosphine
q quartet
rt room temperature
s singlet
sat. saturated
sep septet
t triplet
TFA trifluoroacetic acid
THF tetrahydrofuran
TsOH tosic acid
Wt weight.
Example 1: Synthesis of monosaccharide building blocks Compound 1*
Figure imgf000097_0001
Compound 1* was prepared according to a procedure described in Carb. Res., 2010, 345, 10, 1316-1323. Compound 2*
Figure imgf000097_0002
Compound 2* was prepared according to a procedure described in Chemistry - A European Journal, 2010, 16(44), 13163–13175. Compound 3*
Figure imgf000098_0001
Compound 3* was prepared according to a procedure described in Org. Biomol. Chem., 2018, (16) 13, 2277–2288. Compound 4*
Compound 4* was prepared according to a procedure described in J. Org. Chem., 2012, 77 (1), 108–125. Compound 5*
Figure imgf000098_0002
Compound 4* (2 g, 3.30 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DCM (33 mL). Benzyl bromide (1.4 g, 8.24 mmol) and Ag2O (7.64 g, 33 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was vigorously stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was filtered through celite and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude product. The crude was charged on isolute® and purified using an automated purification system on silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) to give the product (1.43 g, 62%). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C44H40O6SNa+ [M+Na]+ 719.2443, found 719.2390. Compound 6*
Figure imgf000098_0003
Compound 6* was prepared according to a procedure described in J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2017, 139 (2), 1011–1018 starting from compound 9*: Compound 9* (400 mg, 1.068 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous pyridine (5 mL). FmocCl (431 mg, 1.666 mmol) and DMAP (19.58 mg, 0.160 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with sat. NaHCO3 and brine. The organic layer was dried using Na2SO4 and the solvent evaporated to give the crude product. The crude was charged on isolute® and purified using an automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) to give the product (360 mg, 56%). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C35H32O7SNa+ [M+Na]+ 597.1947, found 597.1857. Compound 7*
Figure imgf000099_0001
Compound 6* (1.7 g, 2.274 mmol) was dissolved in BH3·THF (27 mL, 27 mmol) and TMSOTf (0.41 mL, 2.274 mmol) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h. The reaction was quenched with methanol (cooling with an ice/water bath) and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude product. The crude was charged on isolute® and purified using an automated purification system with ethyl acetate/cyclohexane to give the product (930 mg, 61%). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C41H38O7SNa+ [M+Na]+ 697.2236, found 697.2188. Compound 8*
oc
Figure imgf000099_0002
SPh Compound 7* (930 mg, 1.37 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DCM (14 mL). Benzyl bromide (589 mg, 3.45 mmol) and Ag2O (3.19 g, 13.78 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was vigorously stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was filtered through celite® and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude product. The crude was charged on isolute® and purified using the automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) to give the product 8* (680 mg, 65%). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C48H44O7SNa+ [M+Na]+ 787.2705, found 787.2653. Compound 9*
Figure imgf000100_0001
Compound 9* was prepared according to a procedure described in Chem. Eur. J. 2014, 20, 3578– 3583.
Example 2: Synthesis of K. pneumoniae serotype O3 oligosaccharides Compound 10*
Figure imgf000100_0002
To a solution of compound 5* (550 mg, 0.789 mmol) and 5-azidopentanol (306 mg, 2.368 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (2.9 mL) was added 4 Å molecular sieves and the mixture let stir at room temperature for 30 min. Then, NIS (213 mg, 0.947 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture cooled to -20 °C. TMSOTf (14 µL, 0.079 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 1.5 h at 0 °C. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with DCM, and the filtrate was washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and Brine (10 mL). Dried over anhydr. Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by an automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product 10* after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (51 mg, 49%). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C43H45N3O7Na+ [M+Na]+ 738.3155, found 738.3147. Compound 11*
Figure imgf000100_0003
To a solution of compound 10* (361 mg, 0.504 mmol) in DCM:PBS (2:1, 16.81 mL) The reaction mixture was stirred for 2.5 h at room temperature. Reaction was monitored by TLC (EtOAc in cyclohexane, 2:1). Reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO3 (50 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x 50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (50 mL) and dried over Na2SO4, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product. The crude product was purified by automated flash chromatography using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) to obtain a colorless oil of compound 11* (210 mg, 72%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C32H37N3O7Na+ [M+Na]+ 599.2563, found 599.2555. Compound 12*
Figure imgf000101_0001
To a solution of compound 5* (276 mg, 0.396 mmol) and compound 11* (190 mg, 0.330 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (8.4 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was letting stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Then, NIS (89 mg, 0.396 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was cooled to‒20 °C. TMSOTf (6 µL, 0.03 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 1 h at 0 °C. Reaction mixture was filtered, the filtrate was washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and brine (10 mL). After drying over anhydr. Na2SO4, the layers were concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product 12* after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (300 mg, 78%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C70H71N3O13Na+ [M+Na]+ 1184.4885, found 1184.4902. Compound 13*
Figure imgf000101_0002
To a solution of compound 12* (290 mg, 0.294 mmol) in DCM:PBS (2:1, 8.3 mL) was added 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (113 mg, 0.499 mmol) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2.5 h at room temperature and monitored by TLC (EtOAc in cyclohexane, 2:1). Reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO3 (40 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x 40 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product. The crude product was purified by automated flash chromatography using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) to obtain compound 13* as a colorless oil (136 mg, 53%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C59H63N3O13Na+ [M+Na]+ 1044.4259, found 1044.4252. Compound 14*
Figure imgf000102_0001
To a solution of compound 8* (135 mg, 0.176 mmol) and 13* (150 mg, 0.147 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (3.8 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Then, NIS (40 mg, 0.176 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture cooled to -20 °C. TMSTOf (2.6 µL, 0.015 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 1.5 h at 0 °C. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and brine (10 mL). After drying over anhydr. Na2SO4, the crude product were purified by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) which afforded the product 14* after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (184 mg, 75%). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C +
101H101N3O20Na+ [M+Na] 1699.6910, found 1699.6886. Compound 15*
Figure imgf000102_0002
To a solution of compound 14* (180 mg, 0.107 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) triethylamine (208 µL, 1.491 mmol) was added at room temperature and stirred for 1 h. Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product 15* after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (138 mg, 88%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C85H91N3O18Na+ [M+Na]+ 1476.6195, found 1476.6198. Compound 16*
Figure imgf000103_0001
Sodium methoxide solution in MeOH (0.5M) (0.075 mL, 0.330 mmol) was added to a solution of compound 15* (24 mg, 0.016 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH:THF (2:1, 1.5 mL). The reaction was stirred at the same temperature for 20 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H2O (2 mL) and diluted with brine (5 mL). Reaction mixture extracted with EtOAc (2 x 10 mL). Combined organic layers were dried over anhydr. Na2SO4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (18 mg, 88%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C99H90O22Na+ [M+Na]+ 1268.5671, found 1268.5813. Compound 17*
Figure imgf000103_0002
Compound 16* (8.6 mg, 6.90 µmol) was taken in solvent mixture DCM (1 mL), tert- butanol (1 mL) and two drops of water. Pd/C was added to it and hydrogenated for 24 h at 7 bar pressure of H2 at rt. The reaction mixture was filtered through PTFE filter and the residue washed with methanol (6 mL), (50% methanol-water(6 mL). The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to get the crude product Crude product was clean by 1H NMR, sample recovered and freeze dried to obtain compound 17* as a white crystalline solid (3.8 mg, 93%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C23H43NO16H+ [M+H]+ 590.2694, found 590.2683.
1H NMR (400 MHz, D2O) δ 5.15 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 5.11 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.85 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (dd, J = 3.3, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.06-4.12 (m, 2H), 4.03 (dd, J = 9.1, 3.3 Hz, 1H), 3.86 ^ 3.97 (m, 5H), 3.71– 3.86 (m, 8H), 3.61– 3.71 (m, 2H), 3.51 ^ ^3.61(m, 1H), 3.01 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.61 ^ 1.78 (m, 4H), 1.39– 1.54 (m, 2H). Compound 18*
Figure imgf000104_0001
To a solution of compound 8* (43 mg, 0.056 mmol) and compound 15* (65 mg, 0.045 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (1.94 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Then, NIS (12 mg, 0.054 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture cooled to -20 °C. TMSTOf (0.8 µL, 4.47 µmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 35 min at 0 °C. Reaction monitored by TLC until no starting material was left. Triethylamine (250 µl) was added and the mixture was warmed to room temperature gradually over 1 h. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed sat. Na2S2O3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and brine (10 mL), subsequently dried over anhydr. Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (46 mg, 54%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C113H119N3O23H+ [M+H]+ 1909.8166, found 1909.8160. Compound 19*
Figure imgf000105_0001
To a solution of compound 3* (16.8 mg, 0.026 mmol) and compound 18* (28 mg, 0.015 mmol) in mixture of anhydrous toluene (0.9 mL) and anhydrous dioxane (0.3 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Then, NIS (4 mg, 0.018 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture cooled to -20 °C. TMSTOf (0.27 µL, 1.484 µmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 2 h allowing to warm to room temperature. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and brine (10 mL), subsequently dried over anhydr. Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (32 mg, 89%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C147H151N3O29Na+ [M+Na]+ 2445.0331, found 2445.9951. Compound 20*
Figure imgf000105_0002
Sodium methoxide solution in MeOH (25% w/w) (0.051 mL, 0.223 mmol) was added to a solution of the pentasaccharide 19* (27 mg 0011 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH:THF (2:1, 1.5 mL). The reaction was stirred at the same temperature for 16 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H2O (3 mL) and diluted with brine (5 mL). Reaction mixture extracted with EtOAc (2 x 10 mL). Combined organic layers were dried over anhydr. Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (17 mg, 72%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C126H139N3O26Na+ [M+Na]+ 2133.9578, found 2133.9517. Compound 21*
Figure imgf000106_0001
Compound 20* (17 mg, 8.05 µmol) was taken in a solvent mixture of DCM (1 mL), tert-butanol (1 mL) and two drops of water. Pd/C was added and hydrogenated for 24 h under H2 balloon at rt. The reaction mixture was filtered through PTFE filter, washed the residue with methanol (6 mL), (50% methanol-water (6 mL). The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to get the crude product. 1H NMR analysis showed the completion of the reaction and the presence of product. So, crude product was purified through the C18 Sepak column using water (3 mL X 2, fr1), 20% acetonitrile- water (3 mL X 2, fr2) and acetonitrile (3 mL, fr3). All the fractions were frozen and lyophilized for 24 h to get one pure fraction fr1 of compound 21* (white solid, 6,4 mg, 87%), and two impure fractions white fluffy solid (fr2, 0.4 mg) a white fluffy solid (fr.3, 0.6 mg).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C35H63NO26H+ [M+H]+ 914:3717, found 914:3725.
1H NMR (400 MHz, D2O) δ 5.35 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 5.28 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.08 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.02 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.82 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.20 (dd, J = 3.3, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.02– 4.11 (m, 4H), 3.92– 4.01 (m, 3H), 3.80– 3.92 (m, 8H), 3.50– 3.80 (m, 18H), 2.93– 3.04 (m, 2H), 1.58– 1.76 (m, 4H), 1.37– 1.58 (m, 2H). Compound 22*
Figure imgf000107_0001
Compound 22* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and azidoethanol. Compound 23*
Figure imgf000107_0002
Compound 23* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and azidodecanol. Compound 24*
Figure imgf000108_0001
Compound 24* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 2-(2-azidoethoxy)ethanol. Compound 25*
Figure imgf000108_0002
Compound 25* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 3-azido-2,2-difluoropropanol. Compound 26*
Figure imgf000109_0001
Compound 26* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and the corresponding azido alcohol. Compound 27*
Figure imgf000109_0002
Compound 27* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and the corresponding azido alcohol. Compound 28*
Figure imgf000110_0001
Compound 28* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and the corresponding S-benzylthio alcohol. Compound 29*
Figure imgf000110_0002
Compound 29* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 5-hexenol. Compound 30*
Figure imgf000111_0001
Compound 30* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 11-azido-3,6,9-trioxaundecanol. Compound 31*
Figure imgf000111_0002
Compound 31* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and azido-PEG7-alcohol.
Compound 32*
Figure imgf000112_0001
Compound 32* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 5-benzyloxypentanol. Compound 33*
Figure imgf000112_0002
Compound 33* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 12-benzyloxydecanol. Compound 34*
Figure imgf000113_0001
Compound 34* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and methyl 6-hydroxydecanoic acid. Compound 34a*
Figure imgf000113_0002
Compound 34a* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and methyl 6-hydroxydecanoic acid. Compound 35*
Figure imgf000114_0001
Compound 35* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 1,2-dibenzyl glycerol or acetonide protected glycerol.
Compound 36*
Figure imgf000114_0002
Compound 36* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 2-(chloroethoxy)ethanol. Compound 37*
Figure imgf000115_0001
Compound 37* was prepared similarly to compound 21* starting from compound 5* and 4-penten-1-ol.
Example 3: Synthesis of K. pneumoniae serotype O5 trisaccharide Compound 38*
Figure imgf000115_0002
To a solution of compound 3* (490 mg, 0.758 mmol) and 5-azidopropanol (294 mg, 2.273 mmol) in a mixture of anhydrous toluene (11.4 mL) and anhydrous dioxane (3.76 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Then, NIS (205 mg, 0.909 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture cooled to 0 °C. TfOH (11.4 mg, 0.076 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 2 h at 0 °C. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (25 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 40 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (25 mL) and brine (10 mL) and dried over anhydr. Na2SO4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product 38* after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (420 mg, 83%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C39H43N3O7Na+ [M+Na]+ 688.2999, found 688.3009. Compound 39*
Figure imgf000116_0001
Sodium methoxide solution in MeOH (25% w/w) (0.41 mL, 1.802 mmol) was added to a solution of the monosaccharide 38* (400 mg, 0.601 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH:THF (2:1, 12 mL). The reaction was stirred at the same temperature for 20 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H2O (15 mL) and diluted with brine (20 mL). Reaction mixture extracted with EtOAc (2 x 60 mL). Combined organic layers were dried over anhydr. Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (300 mg, 89%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C32H39N3O6Na+ [M+Na]+ 584.2737, found 584.2738. Compound 40*
Figure imgf000116_0002
To a solution of compound 3* (355 mg, 0.548 mmol) and compound 39* (280 mg, 0.499 mmol) in a mixture of anhydrous toluene (10 mL) and anhydrous dioxane (3.3 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Then, NIS (135 mg, 0.598 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture cooled to 0 °C. TfOH (7.5 mg, 0.05 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 1 h at 0 °C. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and brine (10 mL), subsequently dried over anhydr. Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (350 mg, 64%) and starting compound 39* (62 mg, 22%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C66H71N3O12Na+ [M+Na]+ 1120.4935, found 1120.4922. Compound 41*
Figure imgf000117_0001
Sodium methoxide solution in MeOH (25% w/w) (0.8 mL, 3.19 mmol) was added to a solution of compound 40* (350 mg, 0.319 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH:THF (2:1, 7.5 mL). The reaction was stirred at the same temperature for 20 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H2O (15 mL) and diluted with brine (20 mL). Reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2 x 60 mL). Combined organic layers were dried over anhydr. Na2SO4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (278 mg, 88%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C59H67N3O11Na+ [M+Na]+ 1016.4673, found 1016.4686. Compound 42*
Figure imgf000117_0002
To a solution of compound 2* (180 mg, 0.304 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (11 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Then, 1-(phenylsulfinyl)piperidine (69.7 mg, 0.333 mmol) and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylpyrimidine (150 mg, 0.606 mmol) was added, reaction mixture cooled to‒65 °C and stirred for 30 min. Triflic anhydride (61 µL, 0.362 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 20 min at -65 °C. Reaction mixture was then cooled to -78 °C and compound 41* (275 mg, 0.277 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added dropwise and stirred for 6 h at -78 °C and then warmed to 0 °C over 1 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (25 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 35 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with brine (10 mL) and dried over anhydr Na2SO4 Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (220 mg, 54%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C99H95N3O16Na+ [M+Na]+ 1496.6610, found 1496.6623. Compound 43*
Figure imgf000118_0001
Compound 42* (8 mg, 5.99 µmol) was taken in solvent mixture DCM (1 mL), tBuOH (1 mL) and two drops of water. Pd/C was added and hydrogenated under H2 balloon at rt. The reaction mixture was filtered through PTFE filter, washed the residue with methanol (6 mL), (50% methanol-water (6 mL). The filtrate was evaporated in vacuum to get the crude product. Crude product was clean by 1H NMR, sample recovered and freeze dried to obtain a white crystalline solid (3.53 mg, quantitative). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C23H43NO16H+ [M+H]+ 590.2660, found 590.2814.
1H NMR (400 MHz, D2O) δ 5.12 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.07 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 4.77 (s, 1H), 4.28 (dd, J = 3.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (d, J = 3.2 Hz, 1H), 3.81– 4.00 (m, 6H), 3.48 – 3.81 (m, 11H), 3.36 (ddd, J = 9.4, 6.7, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 2.98 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.58– 1.74 (m, 4H), 1.36– 1.51 (m, 2H). Compound 44*
Figure imgf000118_0002
Compound 44* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 3* and azidoethanol. Compound 45*
Figure imgf000119_0001
Compound 45* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and azidodecanol. Compound 46*
Figure imgf000119_0002
Compound 46* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 2-(2-azidoethoxy)ethanol. Compound 47*
Figure imgf000119_0003
Compound 47* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 3-azido-2,2-difluoropropanol. Compound 48*
Figure imgf000120_0001
Compound 48* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and the corresponding azido alcohol. Compound 49*
Figure imgf000120_0002
Compound 49* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and the corresponding azido alcohol. Compound 50*
Figure imgf000120_0003
Compound 50* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and the corresponding S-benzylthio alcohol. Compound 51*
Figure imgf000121_0001
Compound 51* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 5-hexenol. Compound 52*
Figure imgf000121_0002
Compound 52* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 11-azido-3,6,9-trioxaundecanol. Compound 53*
Figure imgf000121_0003
Compound 53* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and azido-PEG7-alcohol. Compound 54*
Figure imgf000122_0001
Compound 54* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 5-benzyloxypentanol. Compound 55*
Figure imgf000122_0002
Compound 55* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 12-benzyloxydecanol. Compound 56*
Figure imgf000122_0003
Compound 56* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and methyl 6 hydroxydecanoic acid Compound 56a*
Figure imgf000123_0001
Compound 56a* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and methyl 6-hydroxydecanoic acid. Compound 57*
Figure imgf000123_0002
Compound 57* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 1,2-dibenzyl glycerol.
Compound 58*
Figure imgf000123_0003
Compound 58* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 2-(chloroethoxy)ethanol. Compound 59*
Figure imgf000124_0001
Compound 59* was prepared similarly to compound 43* starting from compound 5* and 4-penten-1-ol.
Example 4: Synthesis of K. pneumoniae serotype O5 hexasaccharide Compound 60*
Figure imgf000124_0002
To a solution of compound 42* (220 mg, 0.149 mmol) in DCM:PBS (2:1, 7.4 mL) was added 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (67.7 mg, 0.298 mmol) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature and monitored by TLC (EtOAc in cyclohexane, 2:1). Reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO3 (50 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x 50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (25 mL) and dried over Na2SO4 to obtain the crude product. The crude product was purified by automated flash chromatography using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) to obtain compound 60* as colorless oil (125 mg, 63%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C79H87N3O16Na+ [M+Na]+ 1356.5984, found 1356.5983. Compound 61*
Figure imgf000124_0003
To a solution of compound 8* (160 mg, 0.209 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added triethylamine (0.2 mL, 1.435 mmol) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature. Reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product. The crude product was purified by automated flash chromatography using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) to obtain a colorless oil (96 mg, 85%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C33H34O5SNa+ [M+Na]+ 566.2025, found 566.2065. Compound 62*
Figure imgf000125_0001
To compound 61* (1.05 g, 1.623 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and H2O (1 mL) was added N-iodosuccinimide (365 mg, 1.623 mmol) and trifluoroacetic acid (124 µL, 1.623 mmol) at 0 °C and stirred for 2 h. The reaction mixture was partitioned between sat. aqu. NaHCO3 (50 mL) solution and DCM (50 mL). The organic layer was washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (50 mL) and dried over Na2SO4. The crude product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc and cyclohexane as solvents to afford the desired product (730 mg, 81%) as colorless oil.
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C34H34O7Na+ [M+Na]+ 577.2202, found 577.2208. Compound 63*
Figure imgf000125_0002
Cs2CO3 (141 mg, 0.433 mmol) and 2,2,2-trifluro-N-phenyl-acetimidoyl chloride (135 mg, 0.649 mmol) were added to a solution of lactol 62* (120 mg, 0.216 mmol) in DCM (2.2 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature and monitored by TLC. After 2 hours all the starting material was consumed, the reaction was filtered through celite® and washed with DCM (10 mL). The solvent was evaporated and the crude product (157 mg, quantitative) was used in the next step without any purification. Compound 64*
Figure imgf000126_0001
To a solution of compound 63* (157 mg, 0.216 mmol) and compound 61* (117 mg, 0.216 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (4.6 mL) and dioxane (1.5 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. TMSOTf (3.92 µL, 0.022 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at -10 °C for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO3 solution (25 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x 20 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to give crude product. The residue was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc and cyclohexane as solvents to afford the desired product (193 mg, 83%) as colorless oil. HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C67H66O11SNa+ [M+Na]+ 1101.4224, found 1101.4073. Compound 65*
Figure imgf000126_0002
To a solution of compound 64* (116 mg, 0.108 mmol) and compound 60* (120 mg, 0.090 mmol) in a mixture of anhydrous toluene (4.5 mL) and anhydrous dioxane (1.5 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Then, NIS (26.3 mg, 0.117 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture cooled to 0 °C. TfOH (1.35 mg, 8.99 µmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 3 h and gradually warmed to room temp. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and brine (10 mL) and dried over anhydr. Na2SO4. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (110 mg, 53%). Compound
Figure imgf000127_0001
Sodium methoxide solution in MeOH (25% w/w) (0.051 mL, 0.239 mmol) was added to a solution of the pentasaccharide 65* (110 mg, 0.048 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH:THF (2:1, 3 mL). The reaction was stirred at the same temperature for 16 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H2O (5 mL) and diluted with brine (10 mL). Reaction mixture extracted with EtOAc (2 x 20 mL). Combined organic layers were dried over anhydr. Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product 66* after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (95 mg, 90%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C140H147N3O27Na+ [M+Na]+ 2221.9891, found 2221.9960. Compound 67*
Figure imgf000127_0002
To a solution of compound 2* (23.16 mg, 0.039 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (2 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min. Then, 1-(phenylsulfinyl)piperidine (8.59 mg, 0.041 mmol) and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylpyrimidine (18.55 mg, 0.075 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was cooled to -65 °C and stirred for 30 min. Triflic anhydride (7.55 µL, 0.045 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 15 min at -65 °C. Reaction mixture was then cooled to ‒78 °C and compound 66* (75 mg, 0.034 mmol) in DCM (1.5 mL) was added dropwise and stirred for 6 h at -78 °C and then warmed to -25 °C within 1 h. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with brine (10 mL) and dried over anhydr. Na2SO4. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product (as α/β mixture) after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (35 mg, 38%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C164H171N3O31Na+ [M+Na]+ 2702.1828, found 2702.1783. Compound 68*
Figure imgf000128_0001
To compound 67* (35 mg, 0.013 mmol) in DCM (2.5 mL) was added ethane thiol (9.66 µL, 0.131 mmol) and p-toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate (1.24 mg, 6.53 µmol) at room temperature and the mixture was stirred for 1.5 h. Reaction mixture was quenched with triethylamine (1 mL) and concentrated under vacuum, the residue was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc and cyclohexane as solvents to afford the desired product as pure desired β-isomer (16 mg, 49%) as colorless oil. HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C150H163N3O31Na+ [M+Na]+ 2526.1202, found 2526.1152. Compound 69*
Figure imgf000129_0001
Compound 68* (15 mg, 5.99 µmol) was taken in solvent mixture DCM (1 mL), tBuOH (1 mL) and two drops of water. Pd/C was added and hydrogenated for 24 h under H2 balloon at r.t. The reaction mixture was filtered through PTFE filter, and the residue was washed with methanol (6 mL), (50% methanol-water (6 mL). The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to get the crude product. 1H NMR analysis showed the completion of the reaction and the presence of product. So, crude product was purified through the C18 Sepak column using water (3 mL X2, fr1), 20% acetonitrile- water (3 mL X2, fr2) and acetonitrile (3 mL, fr3). All the fractions were frozen and lyophilized for 24 h to get one pure fraction fr1 of compound 69* (white solid, 5,64 mg, 87%), and two impure fractions white fluffy solid (fr2, 0.2 mg) a white fluffy solid (fr.3, 0.2 mg).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C41H73NO31H+ [M+H]+ 1076.4244, found 1076.4245.
1H NMR (400 MHz, Deuterium Oxide) δ 5.33 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.14 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.10 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 5.06 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 4.65– 4.68 (m, 2H), 4.27 (dt, J = 3.2, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 4.14– 4.20 (m, 1H), 4.09 (dd, J = 3.4, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 3.82– 4.04 (m, 12H), 3.47– 3.82 (m, 23H), 3.32– 3.43 (m, 2H), 2.94– 3.02 (m, 2H), 1.59– 1.73 (m, 4H), 1.35– 1.53 (m, 2H).
Example 5: Synthesis of K. pneumoniae serotype O5 nonasaccharide Compound 70*
Figure imgf000129_0002
To a solution of compound 63* (720 mg, 0.978 mmol) and 4-methoxyphenol (121 mg, 0.978 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (7.3 mL) and dioxane (2.5 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. TMSOTf (18 µL, 0.098 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at -10 °C for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO3 solution (35 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x 50 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to give crude product. The residue was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc and cyclohexane as solvents to afford the desired product (540 mg, 84%) as colorless oil. HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C41H40O8Na+ [M+Na]+ 683.2621, found 683.2643. Compound 71*
Figure imgf000130_0001
Sodium methoxide solution in MeOH (25% w/w) (0.52 mL, 2.406 mmol) was added to a solution of the benzoate 70* (530 mg, 0.802 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH:THF (4:1, 7.5 mL). The reaction was stirred at the same temperature for 16 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H2O (3 mL) and diluted with brine (25 mL). Reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2 x 50 mL). Combined organic layers were dried over anhydr. Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (430 mg, 96%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C34H36O7Na+ [M+Na]+ 579.2359, found 579.2395. Compound 72*
Figure imgf000130_0002
To a solution of compound 3* (100 mg, 0.155 mmol) and compound 71* (86 mg, 0.155 mmol) in a mixture of anhydrous toluene (2.3 mL) and anhydrous dioxane (0.8 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture let stir at room temperature for 30 min. Then, NIS (41.7 mg, 0.186 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture cooled to ‒10 °C. TfOH (2.32 mg, 0.015 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 1 h and gradually warmed to room temp. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. Na2S2O3 solution (25 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 30 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (15 mL) and brine (10 mL), dried over anhydr. Na2SO4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (132 mg, 78%). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C66H68O13Na+ [M+Na]+ 1115.4558, found 1115.4595. Compound 73*
Figure imgf000131_0001
Sodium methoxide solution in MeOH (25% w/w) (0.074 mL, 0.343 mmol) was added to a solution of the benzoate 72* (125 mg, 0.114 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH:THF (4:1, 2.3 mL). The reaction was stirred at the same temperature for 16 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H2O (3 mL) and diluted with brine (25 mL). Reaction mixture extracted with EtOAc (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were dried over anhydr. Na2SO4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a colorless thick gel (108 mg, 95%). HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C61H64O12Na+ [M+Na]+ 1011.4295, found 1011.4326. Compound 74*
Figure imgf000131_0002
To a solution of compound 2* (197 mg, 0.334 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (6 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Then, 1-(phenylsulfinyl)piperidine (76 mg, 0.365 mmol) and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylpyrimidine (165 mg, 0.664 mmol) were added, reaction mixture cooled to -65 °C and stirred for 30 min. Triflic anhydride (67 µL, 0.397 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 20 min at -65 °C. Reaction mixture was then cooled to -78 °C and compound 73* (300 mg, 0.303 mmol) in DCM (4 mL) was added dropwise and stirred for 6 h at -78 °C and then warmed to 0 °C within 1 h. Reaction mixture was filtered and washed with sat. NaHCO3 solution (25 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layers were washed with brine (10 mL), dried over anhydr. Na2SO4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by automated purification system using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) afforded the product after evaporation of the solvent as a cloudy thick gel (300 mg, 67%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C92H95O17Na+ [M+Na]+ 1492.6266, found 1492.6232. Compound 75*
Figure imgf000132_0001
To trisaccharide 74*(289 mg, 0.197 mmol) in acetonitrile (8.7 mL) and H2O (1.1 mL) was added ceric ammonium nitrate (172 mg, 0.315 mmol) at 0 °C and stirred for 2 h. Reaction mixture was monitored by TLC, another portion of ceric ammonium nitrate (172 mg, 0.315 mmol) was added and stirred for 2 h. The reaction mixture was partitioned between sat. aq. NaHCO3 (25 mL) solution and DCM (35 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (25 mL), combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to give crude product. The residue was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc and cyclohexane as solvents to afford the desired product (125 mg, 46%) as light-yellow oil.
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C85H86O16Na+ [M+Na]+ 1385.5814, found 1385.5885. Compound 76*
Figure imgf000133_0001
Cs2CO3 (38.2 mg, 0.117 mmol) and 2,2,2-trifluro-N-phenyl-acetimidoyl chloride (36.5 mg, 0.176 mmol) were added to a solution of lactol 75* (80 mg, 0.059 mmol) in DCM (8 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature and monitored by TLC. After 2 hours all the starting material was consumed, the reaction was filtered through celite and washed with DCM (20 mL). The solvent was evaporated and the crude product (90 mg, quantitative) was used in the next step without any purification. Compound 77*
Figure imgf000133_0002
To a solution of compound 76* (80 mg, 0.052 mmol) and compound 60* (69.6 mg, 0.052 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (2 mL) and dioxane (0.66 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. TMSOTf (1 µL, 5.21 µmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at -10 °C for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO3 solution (20 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x product. The residue was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc and cyclohexane as solvents to afford the desired product (70 mg, 50%) as colorless oil. HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C164H171N3O31Na+ [M+Na]+ 2702.1828, found 2702.1853. Compound 78*
Figure imgf000134_0001
To a solution of compound 77* (60 mg, 0.022 mmol) in DCM:PBS (2:1, 5.1 mL) was added 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (10.2 mg, 0.045 mmol) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at room temperature and monitored by TLC (EtOAc in cyclohexane, 2:1). A portion of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (5 mg) was added again and the mixture was stirred at room temp for 2 h. Reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO3 (25 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x 25 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (15 mL) and dried over Na2SO4, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product. The crude product was purified by automated flash chromatography using silica (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane) to obtain a colorless oil (30 mg, 53%).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C153H163N3O31Na+ [M+Na]+ 2562.1202, found 2562.1219. Compound 79*
Figure imgf000135_0001
To a solution of compound 76* (35 mg, 0.023 mmol) and compound 78* (29 mg, 0.011 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (3 mL) and dioxane (1 mL) was added 4 Å MS and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. TMSOTf (0.2 µL, 1.142 µmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at -10 °C for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO3 solution (20 mL) and extracted with DCM (2 x 25 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to give crude product. The residue was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc and cyclohexane as solvents to afford the desired product (28 mg, 63%) as yellow oil. MALDI-TOF: Calcd for C238H247N3O46H+ [M+H]+ 3885.722, found 3885.105. Compound 80*
Figure imgf000136_0001
Compound 79* (6.0 mg, 1.415 µmol) was taken in solvent mixture DCM (1 mL), tBuOH (1 mL) and two drops of water. Pd/C was added to it and hydrogenated for 24 h under H2 balloon at rt. The reaction mixture was filtered through PTFE filter, the residue was washed with methanol (6 mL), (50% methanol-water (6 mL). The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to get the crude product. 1H NMR analysis showed the completion of the reaction and the presence of product. So, crude product was purified through the C18 Sepak column using water (3 mL X2, fr1), 20% acetonitrile- water (3 mL X 2, fr2) and acetonitrile (3 mL, fr3). All the fractions were frozen and lyophilized for 24 h to get one pure fraction of compound 80* fr1 (white solid, 2,4 mg, 99%), and two impure fractions white fluffy solid (fr2, 0.03 mg) a white fluffy solid (fr.3, 0.4 mg).
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C59H103NO46H+ [M+H]+ 1562.5829, found 1562.5815
Example 5: Automated Synthesis of K. pneumoniae serotype O3 oligosaccharides General methods and Materials
Anhydrous* solvents used to prepare building block as well as activator, TMSOTf and capping stock solutions were taken from a solvent drying system (JC Meyer solvent systems). HPLC Grade DCM was used for washing. All other washing solvents (DMF THF di d M OH) t d Building blocks are dried by co-evaporation with toluene (3x) and drying under high vacuum for approximately 1 to 2 hours. All synthesis were carried out on a scale of 0.0125 mmol using a Merrifield resin modified with a photocleavable linker (loading = 0.41 mmol/g). The structure of the linker loaded resin is as follows–
Figure imgf000137_0001
Stock Solutions
Activator solution: 150 mM NIS/15mM TfOH in DCM*:dioxane*
Acid wash solution: 62 mM TMSOTf in DCM*
Capping solution: 10% (v/v) Ac2O/2% (v/v) MeSO3H in DCM*
pyridine“pre-wash” solution: 10% (v/v) pyridine in DMF
Fmoc deprotection solution: 20% (v/v) piperidine in DMF
Automation Modules Module A: Initial Resin Swelling/Beginning of Synthesis Wash
The resin is washed with DCM, DMF and THF (3x, 2 mL, 25 s each) before swelling in DCM (2 mL) for 30 mins with occasional mixing using pulsed Argon bubbling.
Module B: Acidic Wash with 62 mM TMSOTf
DCM (2 mL) is delivered into the reaction vessel, and the temperature is adjusted to - 20 °C. The DCM is drained and replaced by another 2 mL of DCM before TMSOTf solution (1 mL) is added dropwise. The mixture is incubated for 1.5 mins under Ar bubbling before draining washing with 2 mL DCM for 25 s.
Figure imgf000137_0002
Module C: Thioglycoside coupling
Building Block stocks and glycosylation parameters:
Figure imgf000138_0001
Glycosylation cycle:
DCM (2 mL) is added to the resin and the temperature is set to the activation temperature T1- 2 K. While cooling down, the building block solution is delivered to the reaction vessel. After the set temperature has stabilized at T1 - 2 K, the reaction is started by adding 1 mL of activator solution. The mixture is kept at T1 for 5 minutes before a second 20 minute incubation cycle is started during which the temperature is raised to a temperature T2. Upon completion of the incubation cycle the reaction mixture is drained and the resin is washed once each with DCM:Dioxane 1:1 (2 mL) and DCM (2mL). The module finishes by raising the temperature to 25 °C while performing two additional DCM washes (2 mL).
Figure imgf000138_0002
Module D: Capping
The resin is washed with DMF (2x, 25 s) and the temperature of the reaction vessel was set to 25 °C.2 mL of 10 % Pyridine in DMF is delivered into the reaction vessel. After 1 min, the solution is drained and the resin is washed with DCM (3x, 2 mL, 25 s). Then, 4 mL of capping solution is delivered into the reaction vessel and incubated for 20 mins under Argon bubbling. The cycle concludes by draining the reaction mixture washing the resin with DCM (3x 2mL 25 s)
Figure imgf000139_0001
Module E: FMOC Deprotection
The resin is washed with DMF (3x, 2 mL, 25s) and the temperature of the reaction vessel is adjusted to 25 °C.2 mL of FMOC deprotection solution is delivered into the reaction vessel. After 5 mins, the solution was drained through the UV-sensor and the resin is washed with DMF (3x, 2 mL) and DCM (5x, 2mL, 60 s each). The temperature of the reaction vessel was decreased to -20 °C in preparation of the next cycle.
Figure imgf000139_0002
Post-automation steps Cleavage from solid Support
After automated synthesis, the oligosaccharides were cleaved from solid support using a continuous flow photoreactor. The sample (resin loaded with target oligosaccharide) is taken up in 20 mL DCM (stabilized with amylene, LC-MS grade) and injected into the reactor (Wavelength = 300 nm) at the rate of 1.0 mL/min. When all of the resin is inside the reactor, fresh DCM (20 mL) is injected to retrieve the photocleaved resin. The filtrate so obtained is concentrated in-vacuo and subjected to further analysis and purification. Purification and HPLC analysis
The crudes were dissolved in 1:1 hexane: ethyl acetate and analyzed using analytical HPLC (YMC-Diol-300 column, 150 X 4.6 mm, ELSD Detector and DAAD, 280 nm). Method– (Stop Time– 60.0 mins)
Figure imgf000140_0001
List of oligosaccharides obtained
Figure imgf000140_0002
Figure imgf000141_0001
Figure imgf000142_0001
Figure imgf000143_0001
Experimental procedures for the deprotection of fully protected oligosaccharides from automation steps in solution phase synthesis: Benzoyl and acetate deprotection:
Sodium methoxide solution in MeOH (25% w/w) (30-45 eq.) was added to a solution of benzoate 83*-87* (1 eq.) in a mixture of MeOH:THF (2:1). The reaction was stirred at the same temperature for 16 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H2O (1 mL) and diluted with brine (5 mL). The reaction mixture extracted with EtOAc (2 x 10 mL). Combined organic layers were dried over anhydr. Na2SO4 and concentrated obtained as a yellow thick gel which was used in next step without any further purification. Benzyl deprotection:
83a*-87a* (1 eq.) was taken in solvent mixture DCM (2 mL), tBuOH (2 mL) and two drops of water. Pd/C was added and hydrogenated for 24 h under H2 balloon at r.t. The reaction mixture was filtered through PTFE filter and the residue washed with methanol (6 mL), (50% methanol-water (6 mL). The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to get the crude product. 1H NMR analysis showed the completion of the reaction and the presence of product. So, crude product was purified through the C18 Sepak column using water (3 mL X2, fr1), 50% acetonitrile-water (3 mL X2, fr2) and acetonitrile (3 mL, fr2). All the fractions were frozen and lyophilized for 24 h to get one pure fraction of compound 83b*– 87b* fr1, and impure fraction fr2.
Thus, hexasaccharide 83b*, decasaccharide 84b*, dodecasaccharide 85b* and pentadecasaccharide 86b* have been obtained using the protocol stated above. Following the similar protocol, the fully deprotected Icosasaccharide 87b* can be achieved from compound 87a*.
Amount Mass
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C41H73NO31H+ [M+H]+ 5.2 mg 1076.4245, found
1076.4241.
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for C65H113NO51H+ [M+H]+ 10.2 mg 1724.6358, found
1724.6328.
Figure imgf000145_0001
HRMS (ESI+) Calcd for
C77H133NO61H+ [M+H]+ 11.1 mg 2048.7414, found
2048.7329.
Figure imgf000146_0001
MALDI-TOF Calcd for
C95H163NO76Na+ [M+Na]+ 3.7 mg
2557.8852, found 2560.363.
Figure imgf000147_0001
MALDI-TOF Calcd for
C95H163NO76Na+ [M+Na]+ 2557.8852, found 2560.363.
Figure imgf000148_0001
B Immunization studies of K. pneumoniae serotype O3 and O5 oligosaccharides Materials:
● ELISA plates (high-binding, EIA/RIA Plate, 96 well, flat bottom with low evaporation lid, company: Costar® 3361)
● Detection antibody: Goat anti rabbit IgG peroxidase conjugate (Sigma, #A4914) and Goat anti-Mouse IgG (H+L) peroxidase conjugate (Dianova Code: 115-035- 068).
● Blocking solution: 1 % FCS (v/v) in PBS.
● Antibody diluent: PBS+1% BSA (w/v).
● Wash Buffer: PBS+0.1% Tween 20 (PBS-T)
● Developing solution: 1 StepTM Ultra TMB-ELISA developer. (ThermoScientific, Cat #: 34028)
● Stop solution- 2M sulphuric acid (H2SO4).
● Plate reader: Anthos HT 2.
● Software: WinRead 2.36 for absorbance measurements and GraphPad Prism 7 for data plotting and analysis.
● Alum: Aluminium Hydroxide Gel Adjuvant (Alhydrogel® 2%), Brenntag, Batch #:5447 Exp Dt: Feb 2020.
● Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant (IFA). InvivoGen; Cat: vac-ifa-10, Batch#: IFA-39- 03; Exp Dt: Sept 2019
● QuantiPro™ BCA Assay Kit (SIGMA) Product: QPBCA-1KT; Lot#: SLBR7451V;
Pcode: 1002296464
● Mini-PROTEAN® TGX™ Gels- 10 %, 10 well (30µL/well) Control Nr:64175708, ● Precision Plus Dual Color, Cat: 1610374; Control Nr: 641798899
● GelCode™ Blue Safe Protein Stain; ThermoScientific; Ref: 1860957; Lot#:
TA260266
● Klebsiella pneumoniae LPS. SIGMA- L4268; Lot#: 116 M 4057 V
Methods:
1. Bacterial Strains and LPS.
Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) strains differing in their LPS (O-antigen) with/without the capsule were used to isolate and purify the corresponding LPS. The purified LPS were used as coating antigen in Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The O2a,c LPS was procured from Sigma-Aldrich.
Figure imgf000150_0001
2. Production of glycoconjugate and characterization. The KPC synthetic antigens were 21* and 69* conjugated to the carrier protein CRM197 (21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197) for immunization experiments and to Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA; (21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197)) as coating antigen for ELISA according to the procedure described below. General Conjugation Protocol Step 1: PNP-ester synthesis Compound 21* or 69* (1 eq) was dissolved in DMSO or DMSO-H2O at room temperature in a 8 mL vial. Activated bis-(4-nitrophenyl) adipate (20 eq) was added to it and stirred for 5 minutes. Triethylamine (50 eq) was added and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 3-5 h. The reaction mixture was frozen using liquid nitrogen and then lyophilized for 18 h to dryness to afford pale yellow colored crude product along with the excess of the reagent. The crude product was washed thoroughly with sufficient CHCl3 followed by DCM to remove excess reagent. The solid para-nitrophenyl (PNP) ester was dried and taken for the next step. Step 2: Conjugation to the protein Conjugation procedure: The PNP ester of 21* or 69* in 50 µL of 0.15 M NaCl in NaPi buffer was added dropwise to the reaction vial containing CRM197 or BSA in buffer (~150 µL). The vial was finally rinsed with 50 µL of buffer solution and transferred to the reaction vial completely. Thus making the volume of the reaction in the vial ~200 µL. The reaction mixture became yellow in colour and stirred the reaction mixture at r.t. for 24h. The conjugate solution (21*-CRM197, 69*-CRM197, 21*-CRM197 or 69*-CRM197) was transferred to an Amicon® Ultra-0.5 mL centrifugal filter, centrifuged for 6 minutes at 2-8 °C.300 µL of buffer were added to the reaction vial, rinsed and transferred to the filter and centrifuged again. Additional washings were done using 1X PBS solution and centrifuging till the yellow colour was gone and the conjugate became clear solution. After the final wash the conjugate was stored in 1X PBS solution at 2-8 ˚C.
The conjugates were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, SEC chromatography, and MALDI analysis. The loading of the sugar on the carrier was specifically calculated by subtracting the mass between the conjugated and unconjugated protein using MALDI analysis. The protein content was estimated using the micro BCA method following manufacture protocol.
2.1 SDS-PAGE Analysis.
The samples were mixed in a microfuge tube and heated for 5 min at 95 °C on a thermocycler. After cooling to room temperature for 5 min, the samples at approximately 2,5 µg were loaded onto the respective wells of a 10 % polyacrylamide gel along with 10 µL of the marker. The samples were run at a constant voltage of 120V for 1 h. Staining was done using the GelCode™ Blue Safe Protein Stain as per manufacture instructions. The gels were washed with deionized water overnight and scanned using the gel documentation system. 2.2 Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) of Glycoconjugates. The glycoconjugates (21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197) used for immunization studies were analyzed by SEC to observe a mass difference between the conjugated and unconjugated CRM protein. The samples were diluted in 50 mM Tris, 20 mM NaCl, pH 7,2 and run on a Agilent 1100 HPLC system fitted with Tosoh TSK G2000 column (SWxl, 7.8 mm x 30 cm, 5µm) and a Tosoh TSKgel® Guard Column (SWxl 6.0mm x 4cm, 7µm). The flow rate was kept at 1 mL/min.
3. Formulation of Vaccines for Immunization.
The glycoconjugates were formulated in aluminum hydroxide (alum) adjuvant for mice studies, and in Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant (IFA) for immunization in rabbits. 3.1 Formulation in alum.
All the formulations were prepared under sterile conditions. The glycoconjugates (DS) and PBS were mixed in the appropriate pre-calculated ratio in a 50 mL Falcon™ (0.25 mg/mL) required. This formed the DS-PBS mixture. The antigen/ DS dose per animal was kept at 5µg/100 µL/animal. The DS-PBS mixture was gently mixed (5X) using a serological pipette. To the DS-PBS mixture, the corresponding volume of stock alum (10 mg/mL) was added to give a final alum ratio of 1:40 or 0.250 mg/mL. The mixture was immediately mixed by gentle pipetting (20X) using a 5 mL serological pipette. The Falcon™ tube was capped, wrapped with Parafilm® and allowed to mix on a shaker at 250 rpm for 2 h at room temperature (RT). After the incubation time of 2 h, the formulations were brought under the clean bench, aliquoted, and further stored at 4 °C till further use. 3.2 Formulation in IFA.
Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant (IFA) from InvivoGen was used for formulating the vaccines for rabbit immunization studies. Protocol was followed as per manufacture. Antigen: IFA concentration was kept at 1:1. The antigen dose per animal was kept at 5µg/200 µL/animal (100 µL of antigen +100 µL IFA). IFA at the desired calculated volume (50% of the final immunization volume) was taken in a 15 mL sterile Falcon™ tube. The calculated amount of the diluted antigen solution (volume adjusted with PBS to 50 % of the final immunization volume) was taken in a 3 mL sterile syringe, fitted with a 20 G needle. The DS solution was added into the Falcon™ tube containing the IFA and immediately vortexed for 15 sec (5X). The color of the formulation changes from pale-yellow to milky-white on vortexing which indicates the formation of stable emulsion. The resulting vaccine formulation was briefly vortexed and aliquoted into 2mL sterile tubes with the desired dose volumes. Prior to immunizations, the tubes containing the vaccine formulations were vortexed and then injected into animals. 3.3 Characterization of Alum Formulations.
The glycoconjugates formulated in alum were characterized to determine the final alum concentration and the pH of the formulations. 4. Immunization Schedule:
Mice and rabbit immunizations were performed under specific pathogen-free conditions and were provided food and water ad libitum. Mice (n=6) and rabbits (n=4) were immunized sub cutaneous with the vaccine formulations (Table 2) at an injection volume of 100 µL/ mice, and 200 µL/rabbit. The antigen dose for mice was kept at 5 µg/animal except for the antigen-7 (2.5 µg each of antigen 1, and -2). The antigen dose for rabbit was kept at 5 µg/animal. Mice and rabbits were immunized on day 0, 14 and 28. Blood was drawn on day -1, 7, and 22 for mice and day 0, 7 and 21 for rabbits respectively, for the determination of antibody titers. On day 35, the animals were sacrificed, and blood collected. Table 2. Immunization schedule of mice (n=6) and rabbits (n=4). * All values for mice
Figure imgf000153_0001
5. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of sera using in-house antigen Coated plates:
Coating of plates with antigen: Conjugates 21*-BSA and 69*-BSA, and LPS #1-#4 were used as the coating antigen. LPS was dissolved in isopropanol at a concentration of 10 / 20 µg/mL. 100 µL was used for coating each well resulting in a coating concentration of 1-2 µg/well. The LPS solutions were loaded into the well and subjected to overnight evaporation at r.t. inside the sterile bench. For conjugates 21*-BSA and 69*-BSA, the respective conjugates were dissolved at a concentration of 5 µg/mL in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4. 100 µL were coated per well and incubated overnight at 4°C to get an antigen concentration of 0.5 µg/well. Washing:
After overnight adsorption of the antigen, the plates were washed 1X with PBS-T (200 µL/well) and the excess fluid per well was removed by inverting the plate and tapping on a clean dry tissue towel.
Blocking:
The plates were blocked using 200 µL of the commercial blocking solution and incubated for 2h at RT.
Washing:
After blocking, the plates were washed 3X with PBS-T (200 µL/well) and the excess fluid per well was removed by inverting the plate and by tapping on a clean dry tissue towel. Dilution of Sera and Incubations:
Pooled sera (n=4 rabbits or n=6 mice/group) from different time-points of the different experimental groups were diluted to their respective dilutions in the antibody diluent (PBS+1% BSA). 100 µL of the diluted sera samples of the different experimental groups were added in duplicates to the corresponding wells and incubated on a shaker set at 250 rpm for 2h at RT. 100 µL/well of the antibody diluent (PBS+1 % BSA) formed the experimental blank. After incubation with sera, the plates were washed 4X with PBS-T (200 µL/well) and the excess fluid per well was removed by inverting the plate and by tapping on a clean dry tissue towel. Incubation (detection antibody): The corresponding detection antibody, anti-rabbit or anti-mouse IgG HRP conjugate was diluted 1:10,000 in the antibody diluent (PBS+1% BSA) and 100 µL/well was added and incubated on a shaker at 250 rpm for 1h at RT. After the incubation with detection antibody, the plates were washed 5X with PBS-T (200 µL/well) and the excess fluid per well was removed by inverting the plate and by tapping on a clean dry tissue towel. Substrate addition:
To each well, 100 µL of the ready to use TMB (3,3,’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine) substrate (normalized to r.t. from 4 °C) was added and incubated in dark for 15 min. The blue color of the enzymatic reaction was stopped by adding 50 µL/well of 2M H2SO4 solution resulting in a yellow colored solution. The absorption of the yellow colored solution was measured at 450 nm using a plate reader. Results:
The absorption values were analyzed by plotting a graph using the GraphPad Prism software. Results.
Characterization of Glycoconjugates 21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197.
The KPC antigen glycoconjugates 21*-CRM197 and 69*-CRM197 used for the immunization studies were analyzed for the conjugation efficiency and antigen content. MALDI analysis of the glycoconjugates revealed a very good conjugation efficiency. The mass differences between the conjugated and unconjugated CRM197 protein yielded a loading from 2– 15, preferably from 3– 10 antigens/ CRM197 molecule for the different glycoconjugates. The glycoconjugates were also analyzed by a 10 % SDS-PAGE and SEC that revealed a clear mass shift as compared to the unconjugated CRM197 protein (Fig 5A and Fig 5B).
ELISA Data.
Sera from 21*-CRM197 / 69*-CRM197 immunized mice recognize the corresponding antigens (see Figure 6). The sera also cross-react with the corresponding K. pneumoniae LPS (see Figure 7). Sera from 21*-CRM197 / 69*-CRM197 immunized rabbits recognize the corresponding O-antigens in the related BSA conjugates 21*-BSA and 69*-BSA, respectively (see Figure 8). Sera from 21*-CRM197 / 69*-CRM197 immunized mice recognize selectively the corresponding K. pneumoniae LPS (see Figure 9). The herein provided data demonstrate that after immunization with a conjugate of the present invention, functional antibodies against oligosaccharides of the present invention as well as against the natural O-polysaccharides of K. pneumoniae serotypes O3, O3b and O5 were elicited in rabbits and mice. The Antibodies do cross-react with the natural O-polysaccharides (LPS) of K. pneumoniae serotypes O3, O3b and O5 indicating the potential of these antibodies to bind to K. pneumoniae bacteria and to confer protection against K. pneumoniae infection. The ELISA data further proves that the conjugates of the present invention are immunogenic and induce high antibody titers.. Hence, ELISA analysis shows that the oligosaccharides of formula (I) of the present invention are immunogenic in rabbits and mice and generate cross reactive antibodies.

Claims

Claims 1. An oligosaccharide of general formula (I) T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–T–O–L–E (I)
wherein
m is an integer selected from 0 and 1;
x is an integer selected from 1 to 2 × m + 3;
n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7 ,8, 9 and 10;
Figure imgf000156_0001
or
Figure imgf000156_0002
–T– represents a bond, –(Ux+4)m–(Vx+2)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1)1-m–, –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2)m– or –(Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1)m– ;
T*– represents H–, H–(Ux)m–(Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+1–Vx)1-m–, H–(Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– or H–(Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m– ;
L represents a linker and;
E represents –NH2, –N3, –CN, –O–NH2, –CH=CH2, –C≡CH, –Br, –Cl, –I, –CO2R´, –COR´, –CONH–NH2, –SH, or –SAc;
R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
or a diastereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2. The oligosaccharide according to claim 1 of general formula (II) T*–[(–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m]n–O–L–E (II) wherein m, n, x, L, E, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1, Vx+2 and T* have the meanings as defined in claim 1. 3. The oligosaccharide according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein
–L– represents –La–, –La–Le–, –La–Lb–Le–, or –La–Ld–Le– ;
–La– represents–(CH2)o–,–(CH2–CH2–O)o–C2H4–, or–(CH2–CH2–O)o–CH2; –Lb– represents –O–, –NH–CO–NH–, –NH–CO–CH2–NH–, –NH–CO–; –Ld– represents–(CH2)q–,–(CH(OH))q–,–(CF2)q–, –(CH2–CH2–O)q–C2H4–, or –(CH2–CH2–O)q–CH2–;
–Le– represents –(CH2)p1–, –(CF2)p1–, –C2H4–(O–CH2–CH2)p1–, –CH2–(O–CH2–CH2)p1– or –(CH2)p1–O–(CH2)p2–; and
o, q, p1 and p2 are independently of each other an integer selected from 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, and 6. 4. The oligosaccharide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein–O-L-E is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000157_0001
wherein R´ represents –H, –Me, –Et,
4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, –N-hydroxysuccinimidyl, –(3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl), or –(dibenzocyclooctyne-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl);
X B Cl I CO H SA
5. The oligosaccharide according to claim 1 selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000158_0001
Figure imgf000159_0001
Figure imgf000160_0001
Figure imgf000161_0001
Figure imgf000162_0001
Figure imgf000163_0001
Figure imgf000164_0001
Figure imgf000165_0001
Figure imgf000166_0001
Figure imgf000167_0001
Figure imgf000168_0001
Figure imgf000169_0001
Figure imgf000170_0001
Figure imgf000171_0001
6. A conjugate comprising an oligosaccharide according to any one of the claims 1 – 5 covalently linked to an immunogenic carrier through the residue E of the
7. The oligosaccharide according to any one of the claims 1– 5 or a conjugate according to claim 6 for use in raising a protective immune response in a human and/or animal host.
8. The oligosaccharide according to any one of the claims 1– 5 or a conjugate according to claim 6 for use in prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with bacteria containing in their lipopolysaccharide one of the following oligosaccharide fragments:
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-; -3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-; -3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-.
9. The oligosaccharide for use or the conjugate for use according to claim 8, wherein the diseases associated with bacteria include pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, urinary tract infection, wound infection, osteomyelitis, bacteremia, septicemia and ankylosing spondylitis.
10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the conjugate according to claim 6 and/or the oligosaccharide according to any one of the claims 1– 5 together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant and/or excipient.
11. The oligosaccharide according to any one of the claims 1– 5 for use as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against bacteria containing in their O-polysaccharide one of the following oligosaccharide fragments:
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-; -3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-; -3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-; -3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-β-D-Man-(1-;
-2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1-;
-3)-α-D-Man-(1, 3)-α-D-Man-(1, 2)-α-D-Man-(1-.
12. A method for synthesis of oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprising of:
A1) providing a monosaccharide 1
Figure imgf000173_0001
wherein P1 , P2 and P4 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined in claim 1; A2) treating monosaccharide 1 with a building block 2 in presence of an activating agent
(2),
wherein P1– P4 represent protecting groups and LG1 represents a leaving group; A3) performing removal of protecting group P3; A4) treating the product of step A3) with a building block 3 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000174_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P5 and P6 represent protecting groups and LG2 represents a leaving group; A5) performing removal of protecting group P6; A6) repeating steps A4) and A5) two times to obtain intermediate compound 4a;
Figure imgf000174_0002
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined in claim 1; A7) optionally repeating steps A2)– A6) in the following order A2)→A3)→ A2)→A3)→A4)→A5)→A6) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5a,
Figure imgf000175_0001
wherein P1 , P2 , P4 and P5 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined in claim 1; A8) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I). OR a method for synthesis of oligosaccharide of general formula (I) comprising of: F1) providing a monosaccharide 7
Figure imgf000175_0002
wherein P7 , P8 and P9 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined in claim 1; F2) treating monosaccharide 7 with a building block 8 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000175_0003
wherein P7 P10 represent protecting groups and LG3 represents a leaving group; F3) performing removal of protecting group P10; F4) treating the product of step F3) with building block 9 in presence of an activating agent
Figure imgf000176_0001
wherein P7 , P8, P11 and P12 represent protecting groups and LG4 represents a leaving group; F5) performing removal of protecting group P11 to obtain intermediate compound 4f;
Figure imgf000176_0002
wherein P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined in claim 1; F6) optionally repeating steps F2)– F5) in the following order F2)→F3)→F2) →F4)→F5) n-1 times to obtain intermediate compound of formula 5f,
Figure imgf000176_0003
wherein P7– P9 and P12 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein n, E and L have the meanings as defined in claim 1; F7) performing removal of all protecting groups to obtain an oligosaccharide of general formula (I).
13. An intermediate compound for preparing an oligosaccharide of the general formulae (I), wherein the intermediate compound has any one of general formulae (I2a), (I2b), (I2c), (I2d), (I2e), (I2f), (I2g), (I2h), (I3a), (I3b), (I3c), (I3d),
Figure imgf000177_0001
Figure imgf000178_0001
Figure imgf000179_0001
Figure imgf000180_0001
Figure imgf000181_0001
Figure imgf000182_0001
Figure imgf000183_0001
wherein P1– P6 represent protecting groups and C represents–L–Ep with Ep being a solid support or a protected end group E, wherein E and L have the meanings as defined in claim 1.
14. The conjugate according to claim 6 of general formula (V) [H–((–Ux+4–Ux+3–Ux+2–Ux+1–Ux)m–(Vx+2–Vx+1–Vx)1-m)n–O–L–E1–W]c–CRM197
(V) wherein
c is comprised between 2 and 18; –E1– represents a covalent bond, –NH–, –O–NH–, –O–, –S–, –CO–,
Figure imgf000184_0002
a represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10,
b represents an integer selected from 1, 2, 3 and 4, and
m, n, x, L, Ux+1, Ux+2, Ux+3, Ux+4, Vx, Vx+1 and Vx+2 have the meanings as defined in claim 1.
15. The conjugate according to claim 14, wherein the conjugate has any one of the following formula (V-1)– (V-11)
Figure imgf000184_0001
Figure imgf000185_0001
(V-3)
Figure imgf000186_0001
Figure imgf000187_0001
Figure imgf000188_0001
wherein L, E1, W, c and n have the meanings as defined in claim 14.
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